Sanctions after sanctions, and Russians began to buy apartments and houses in EU countries more often

Based on the results of three quarters of 2025, the share of transactions by Russians with European real estate reached 41%. A year earlier it did not exceed 30%.

The greatest demand among Russians was for real estate in Schengen countries such as France, Spain, Slovenia and Portugal. The list of leaders also included Cyprus, which is not part of the Schengen zone.

Russians choosing real estate in Europe are not interested in the investment attractiveness of the property, but in the possibility of obtaining EU immigration status without restrictions in the form of the need to reside in the country, said Irina Mosheva, managing partner of Intermark Global. She noted that such transactions provide an opportunity to obtain a residence permit in EU countries and allow more free movement around the world.

Almost a third of the demand for overseas housing, 32%, came from Southeast Asian countries. This is 10 p.p. less than last year’s figure. Thailand and Bali were in greatest demand among Russians. These countries are attractive to investors due to their high investment potential and low entry threshold. The average rental income in Bali is 15% per annum, in Thailand — 10% per annum, while the increase in housing prices in these countries is from 5% to 10% per annum, the study says.

In third place in popularity among Russian buyers of foreign real estate are the countries of the Middle East. The share of transactions by Russians with such real estate over the year increased from 7% to 17%. The most popular real estate among Russian citizens is in the UAE and Oman.

Demand for housing in Turkey from Russians remains stable — this country accounts for 6% of total demand. Housing in Turkey is of interest to Russian buyers due to profitable real estate, affordable residence permits and citizenship by investment, and a comfortable climate.

source: CYANOGEN