Hi Everyone,

The Russian business news Companies.RBC reports that demand for international real estate from Russian investors in the first half of 2026 has grown 20% over 2025. Here are the key takeaways in English for you:

The growth has been driven by the strengthening of the ruble, the decreasing of interest on banks investing, and the predictive lowering of domestic real estate prices. The approach has become more pragmatic, and homes abroad are considered a tool for strategic planning.

Investors’ goals: from an “alternative aerodrome” to capital’s preservation.

-53% of Russian purchases abroad are aimed at residency permits.

-27% buy for the family to live in or for vacations.

-20% for capital preservation and growth (last year it was 15%).

Due to the world’s political instability, many Russian investors look at foreign homes as a possibility to relocate in the future. The Russian buyers have adapted to limitations on international financial transactions and work through friendly jurisdictions. The median budget for the closed deals is € 262k.

The top 3 countries for investing: UAE, Thailand, and Turkey, the same as in the last year, but not in the same order.

#1. UAE (50% of Russian demand). The popularity is explained by the following: residency permits available, low crime, loyal tax laws, highly developed infrastructure, visas for investors don’t require any minimum home purchase price, reduced property prices on the secondary market.

#2. Thailand (17% of demand) has moved from #3 last year to #2, although Russian buyers have become more selective in their preferences.

#3. Turkey (12% of demand) where Russian buyers have purchased more than any other foreigners. Reasons: warm climate, developed infrastructure, nice conditions for vacations and living, affordable real estate prices, good quality of construction.

A European magnet for Russians always was and still is Cyprus.

Cyprus is the only European country where Russians can directly obtain permanent residency without previously obtaining a second citizenship. The program requires an investment of € 300k and covers a spouse and children under 24 years old. The legal system is comfortable for Russian businessmen. Real estate-related taxes keep going down, thus Russian demand for Cyprus has been growing.

Resume: back to pragmatism in foreign real estate purchasing plus diversification as Russian investors often spread their capital between several jurisdictions, which reduces risks in comparison with investing in only one country.

To your best business success,

Sincerely,