Alternative deals have become a new trend in the Russian housing market

The number of alternative real estate transactions in Russia has reached 40%, the M2 analytical center told Izvestia on May 29. They are actively gaining popularity, having already become a trend in the housing market, said Yulia Rykunova, co-founder and business development director of the M2 real estate ecosystem.

Alternative transactions are characterized by a variety of participants, legal risks, and payment methods. Mortgage-free transactions, which are one of the drivers of the industry against the background of high interest rates, also belong to an alternative type of real estate purchase.

According to analysts and Roskadaster, in the first quarter of 2025, the number of non-leveraged transactions increased in all housing segments. In the secondary market, the figure reached 60%. In the new building market, demand is also supported by installments from developers, which account for 18% of sales. Standard mortgages are now found in transactions in less than half of the cases — 43%.

Buy by selling: the demand for trade-in when buying apartments increased by 25%

What risks does this mechanism have for those who want to improve their living conditions

"Difficulties with mortgage lending, focused mainly on new buildings, have logically led to a revival in the secondary market, where a significant part of transactions are alternative. They are an effective purchase tool against the background of rising housing costs. The sale of properties with outstanding mortgages, inter-regional transactions, and transactions with a long chain of sellers and buyers greatly reduce the value of real estate, making it more affordable. In practice, there are transactions with 20 objects at the same time," the expert noted.

According to her, only professionals can provide legal support for such transactions. It is difficult for the buyer to figure out the legal side of an alternative purchase on their own.

At the same time, according to the results of the M2 Realtors Sentiment Index study, agents are optimistic about the future, expecting monetary policy easing and an average twofold increase in demand by the end of 2025.

Earlier, on May 16, it was reported that one in five Russians would like to put up a cottage for sale in order to buy an apartment in the capital. At the same time, one in three (33%) estimates their suburban real estate in the amount of 6 million to 10 million rubles, according to the results of a study by Level Group.