February coup: how new rules are changing the Russian real estate market

February 2026 was a month of significant transformations in the Russian real estate market. A set of legislative changes, price dynamics and structural changes in the industry are creating a new reality for home buyers and sellers. Experts note that these processes can affect everyone who is planning real estate transactions in the near future.

Mortgage programs under pressure
On February 1, 2026, restrictions on the family mortgage program came into force: now each family can receive only one preferential loan. The decision is aimed at a more equitable distribution of government support among citizens. For those who were planning to use schemes with multiple loans through different family members, this news came as an unpleasant surprise.

Cashless revolution
On February 8, deputies of the State Duma proposed to transfer all real estate transactions to non-cash form. The bill, initiated by the head of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market, Anatoly Aksakov, is aimed at reducing the risks of fraud and simplifying control over operations. This is an important step towards increasing market transparency and protecting transaction participants from unfair practices.

Market in motion: new players and leaving companies
2026 promises to be a year of change for the Russian construction industry. According to analysts, 45 new brands will enter the market in the coming months, of which 25 are domestic companies. However, 16 companies may leave the market, which will lead to a change in the level of competition and a revision of approaches to pricing.

Price dynamics: St. Petersburg sets trends
In January 2026, the average cost of apartments in new buildings in St. Petersburg increased to 13.2 million rubles. This significant change confirms the steady interest in real estate in the Northern capital. Throughout Russia, the supply of finished apartments has decreased by 15%, and prices for secondary housing are growing faster than for new buildings. The supply shortage, while demand remains constant, continues to push the market upward.