Hi Everyone,

Season's Greetings!

In my search of the market share of Russian Buyers in various segments of international real estate, I've come across this comprehensive and full of facts article that I'm sending you now.

Cyprus is quite attractive for the Russian real estate investors and this came about for many reasons. The very good relations that the two countries have, since 40 years ago, the same religion, the most favorable (for Cyprus) double taxation treaty with Russia, the existing low taxation system in Cyprus, the regular flights and a strong tourist number (120.000 p.a.) which is ever increasing, are the main pluses.

The Russians' favorite place of living-investment is the seaside town of Limassol, which practically attracts 60% of all Russian investors/livers. The town's cosmopolitan environment, with its numerous luxurious hotels, the existence of a Russian church and schools, as well as the English speaking ones, facilitate the Russians to live mainly in Limassol, which is also the center of the offshore business.

In terms of the real estate market buys, the Russians can be divided mainly in three broad categories. The very top end with a budget of around £1 mil.-£3.0 mil. whose interest is directed primarily for right on the beach property. This price range refers to luxurious accommodation with parking, garden and pool, 4-5 bedrooms and having an extent of around 400-600 sq.m.

The second category is that of the £300-£400.000 which direct their interest for villas situated on hills, offering attractive sea views, or property very near the beach. This price range refers to villas with private gardens and pools, 3 bedroom-4 bedroom around 120-150 sq.m. The third category is around £200.000 whose interest is mainly for apartments, having approximately 130-150 sq.m., of a 3 bedroom capacity.

The Russian market deviates considerably and there are sales at around £7.0 mil. for homes (very limited) and buyers also for lower priced units (around £150.000). The prices quoted above mainly refer to new accommodation, with second hand units priced at around 20%-25% less. A number of Russian investors have teamed up with local business people and have undertaken property development, whereas others are buying land as an investment.

Although the second home is a competitive market, Cyprus attracts a total value of real estate sales to a figure of approximately £700 mil. p.a. According to the Central Bank the main buyers are British, with a 7% buyers from the total from Russia (but of a much higher budget).

In terms of statistical information the following table may be quite useful.

Foreign People Buying in Cyprus % of demand in terms of location

• Paphos 45%
• Limassol 20%
• Larnaca 20%
• Famagusta 14%
• Nicosia 1%

PAPHOS LIMASSOL LARNACA FAMAGUSTA

• British 50% 20% 15% 15%
• Germans 10% 90% --- ---
• Russian 20% 60%* 10% 10%

As an indication of sales prices for new accommodation for which the Russian market directs itself, we hereby provide the following:

PRICES VILLAS ON BEACH VILLAS OFF BEACH APTS ON BEACH APTS OFF BEACH

• Limassol £5.000/sq.m. £2.200/sq.m. £4.000/sq.m. £1.500/sq.m.
• Paphos £4.500/sq.m. £2.500/sq.m. £----- £1.400/sq.m.
• Larnaca £3.500/sq.m. £2.000/sq.m. £3.000/sq.m. £1.200/sq.m.
• Famagusta £3.000/sq.m. £2.000/sq.m. £----- £1.400/sq.m.

The market is changing and the described projects/competition will cause numerous local potential developers to seek cooperation/incoming investors from abroad. To the plusses of the island, the two new airports, now under development, as well as the constant infrastructure improvement must be noted.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antonis_Loizou

In the future I hope to send you facts on more countries where Russians purchase properties. (Please feel free to point me to your country/area resources on the topic if any, thank you)

To your best business success,

Sincerely,