Vastgoed adverteren - Verkoop, koop, huur woningen, huizen, appartementen en gronden

Europe's largest country is going through the fastest period of change in its history. The country is so huge it's hard to imagine - stretching 10 time zones. The real estate market is booming and foreign buyers are starting to show an interest.

Moscow is the focus of investor attention for real estate, pushing prices ever higher. With an oil-fuelled economy and unprecedented growth in consumer spending, demand for properties to buy and rent is strong, all year round. 'This is no resort, it's a vibrant 24 hour, 365 day city where the shops don't close. Rental yields average at 9-11% with strong demand and capital growth on top' says Guy Eames, director of MosProperty.

Prices have trebled since 2002 in central Moscow, although growth slowed by 2005. However unlike other eastern European markets like Hungary, mortgages in Russia really only started in 2005 with the publication of the new mortgage law. 'With most Russians owning 100% equity on their property, easy access to mortgage credit is likely to fuel further price increases' Marti Whelan, Sales Manager at Astera added.

All ownership is registered in a very comprehensive property register, which keeps details of every single change in ownership right down to a copy of every single purchase contract. There is no stamp duty on purchasing, although there is a fee to register the contract of approx £200. There are no restrictions to foreigners buying residential property in Moscow and land can also be purchased in most of Russia.

Prices are quoted in USD and range from $80k on the edge of town for a 1 bedroom with the sky the limit in the centre. 'Foreigners usually purchase between $150k and $500k. Last week we sold a flat for $290k which is being rented out for $2800 / month' said Katya Trushkova, sales agent at MosProperty.

Outside Moscow there are also countless opportunities, although gaining access to information and controlling property out there is more of an issue. Moscow Region (outside the MKAD - Moscow's version of the M25) is being developed quickly with detached houses - or 'cottedgi' (cottages) springing up like mushrooms. Off plan generally offers 25-50% growth, but can be a slow process and is more risky.

Other locations worth looking at are - St Petersburg, one of Europe's most beautiful cities with lower prices than Moscow, or the Black Sea resorts, with the bonus of skiing at Krasnaya Polyana (40 miles from Sochi). Speculative purchases of flats or land outside Moscow will most likely outpace Moscow prices but could incur high admin costs.

As an emerging market, Moscow may not appeal to the average buyer abroad, but it has advantages of lower transaction costs, a secure 12-month rental market and the chance to buy in before mortgages start to become the norm.

1. No company is needed for foreigners to buy a property, but as an investment vehicle a company may be appropriate to lessen the tax burden on rental income. Properties can also be bought in joint names. On selling a property, non-residents are liable to pay 30% tax on the sale. However many sales are declared at the 'state' value, bringing them under the tax threshold. 
2. Non-residents can transfer funds in or out of Russia without having to prove their sources.
3. It is common practice in Russia for the buyer to pay costs of the transaction, which will not normally exceed $500. These include registration of the contract, translations of non-Russian passports & marriage certificates.
4. Agents are often employed to represent the buyer and seller separately. The price agreed for the property includes the selling agent's commission. Commission for buying through a search agent varies from 2-4% of the purchase price.

With thanks to MosProperty
http://www.mosproperty.com/