Мифы об инвестициях в недвижимость и ошибки, которых легко избежать

Buying real estate for profit requires not intuition, but a cold-blooded assessment. Any mistake results in frozen capital or annual losses. To accurately determine how to choose real estate for investments, one must consider not only the location but also legal nuances, the current economy of the region, and real profitability calculations.

Evaluating Location and Growth Potential: How to Choose Real Estate for Investments

The attractiveness of an area is formed not by advertising, but by dry statistics and analysis of development. The demand for a location for investments is confirmed by a set of indicators: population growth, active infrastructure construction, price dynamics over the last 5 years, and renovation plans.

For example, in St. Petersburg by 2025, the Primorsky district has recorded an annual increase in the value of a square meter at 11.3%. New metro stations, a school within 700 meters, and the launch of business centers create stable demand. In Krasnogorsk (Moscow region), a similar pace is demonstrated by the Pavshinskaya floodplain district: new buildings are sold out at the start, and renting a one-bedroom apartment brings 9.2% annual return.

Property Type: What and for Whom

Choosing real estate for investments in terms of format depends on the goals. The income strategy dictates the type of property:

1. For stable rental income – studios and one-bedroom apartments in residential areas with good transport accessibility.
2. For short-term income (resale) – investments in a foundation with a price peak after the house is completed.
3. For diversification – apartment-hotels, commercial space with long-term tenants, or buying shares in income-generating properties.

In Kazan, for example, investments in apartments near the Kremlin embankment (closer to Chernyshevskogo Street) pay off in 7-8 years with a yield above 10%. A similar property on the outskirts pays off in 12-14 years. Location translates into payback time.

Legal Clarity and Documents

Any transaction without verification becomes a risk. Checking property documents, absence of debts and arrests, compliance with norms during renovations – all of this requires involving a lawyer. Court cases due to undisclosed encumbrances can drag on for 12-18 months and make the investment frozen.

Developers listed in reliable accredited banks provide extended guarantees. For example, in 2025, Sberbank and VTB accredited over 400 projects only in Moscow and the region. Accreditation provides confidence in compliance with the project declaration and financing for completing construction.

Yield Calculation

Choosing real estate for investments without the risk of overvaluation is only possible through objective mathematics. Yield is calculated not based on promises or emotional expectations but by a strict formula considering all cost and income elements. Roughly, the calculation is divided into three levels: entry cost, operating expenses, and return on investment model. Each indicator directly affects the final yield and payback periods.

Total Purchase Cost: More Than the Price on Display

The calculation starts with assessing total investments, not just the price on the website. For example, an apartment in St. Petersburg under a shared participation agreement costs 7.4 million rubles. However, the following points are considered to calculate the real cost:

1. Repairs for rent – from 500,000 to 800,000 rubles (depending on the segment).

2. Furniture and appliances – 300,000 rubles for a studio, 450,000 rubles for a 2-room apartment.

3. Taxes on purchase (if a new building without VAT – 0 rubles; secondary market from an individual – 0 rubles; when purchasing through a legal entity – 13%).

4. State registration and legal services – on average 50,000 rubles.

5. Agent commission (if applicable) – up to 2% of the deal.

The final investment in the property can increase to 8.5 million rubles, which is 15% higher than the listed price. Only this approach allows for a precise understanding of how to choose real estate for investments with a realistic cost assessment.

Potential Revenue: Rent or Sale

The financial model depends on the goal:

1. Rental. A 40 m² apartment near Moskovskaya metro station yields 45,000 rubles per month with long-term leasing, totaling 540,000 rubles per year. With short-term rentals, it can reach up to 85,000 rubles per month in the high season (and 40,000 rubles in the low season), but additional costs for cleaning and management apply.
2. Resale. The same property, acquired at the foundation stage for 7.4 million rubles, can be sold for 10.2 million rubles after completion in 20 months. However, profit tax (if no individual entrepreneur status or exemption), realtor services, documentation, and marketing expenses need to be considered. Around 500,000 rubles will be spent.

Financing: Mortgage, Installment, Cash

Choosing real estate for investments with an optimal financing model is one of the key questions. The choice between full payment, mortgage, or developer with installment affects profitability.

The mortgage rate for investment purposes in 2025 is 15.2-17.5%, making it a viable option only for capital growth or short-term resale. Developer installment plans offer favorable 0-3% rates with a 30-50% down payment – as seen in “Samolyot Development” for a project in Kommunarka.

Investing in Commercial Real Estate

Offices, street retail, and warehouses are high-risk but high-yield assets. For investors exploring how to choose real estate for investments with profits above 10-12% annually, commercial properties can be an option. However, stable tenant profitability is crucial.

Example: a 45 m² space in the “Civilization on Neva” residential complex in St. Petersburg rented for a beauty salon brings in 110,000 rubles per month. The annual income is 1.32 million rubles. The purchase price is 13.7 million rubles. Net yield is 8.9%. If the business closes, losses can reach 100,000 rubles per month.

Risks and Investment Diversification

Investing in real estate without a reserve capital and investment diversification becomes vulnerable. It is advisable to distribute the portfolio: part in rental apartments, part in commercial properties, and the remainder in fund instruments.

Price decreases, tax increases, project freezes, communal reforms – all these factors reduce income. It is optimal to combine properties with different liquidity and locations: a million-city, a region with promising agglomeration, a tourist zone.

Real strategies for 2025-2026:

1. New construction at the start near a metro station – price growth of 20-25% during the construction cycle.
2. Remodeling and daily rental – payback in 5 years.
3. Commercial space with an anchor tenant – income of 9-12% annually.
4. Apart-hotel in a federal tourist city – stable cash flow and capital growth.
5. Investing in a developing residential complex with installment plans – minimal entry and fixed price.

How to Choose Real Estate for Investments: Conclusion

A step-by-step calculation, strategy, and cold analysis matter. Location, risks, financing model, and profitability forecasts all determine the final profit. A savvy investor compares not only prices but also development scenarios, evaluates timelines, and assesses liquidity prospects.

Investing abroad offers a wide range of opportunities to strengthen the financial base and diversify assets. Investments in commercial property are of particular interest in this strategy. By acquiring such properties in Poland or other countries, investors benefit from the stability of the local economy, tax and legislative incentives. These factors are obvious advantages of investing in foreign commercial property. Let’s talk about them in more detail.

Why invest in commercial property abroad

Investing in overseas commercial property is an opportunity not only to generate income, but also to strengthen financial independence. The world’s leading markets offer a number of significant advantages for investors.

Long-term stability and favourable rates of return

The advantages of investing in commercial property abroad lie in stable and high rates of return. In developed markets, rental yields can range from 6% to 9% per annum depending on location and type of space. This is significantly higher than in most jurisdictions, where rental yields often fluctuate between 3-5%.

Poland offers attractive conditions for tenants and property owners due to the high demand for office, retail and logistics space. Due to a stable economy and high levels of foreign investment, the country’s property market continues to show strong growth, providing investors with long-term stability.

Opportunities for asset diversification

Foreign commercial property is an important tool for diversifying an investment portfolio. Such investments make it possible to minimise risks associated with economic instability, political crises and currency fluctuations in the home market. By investing in property in developed countries, an investor can strengthen assets and reduce dependence on the situation in his country.

Capital protection and high levels of liquidity

Unlike other types of assets, such as stocks or bonds, real estate has a high degree of stability. Even in times of economic turmoil or crisis, the value of commercial properties in international markets remains static or increases, providing protection for funds.

Importantly, investing in overseas commercial property markets is highly liquid. Properties can be sold or leased quickly and without significant loss of value. Poland, in particular, is actively developing its infrastructure, which in turn is fuelling demand for property, especially in major cities and business districts.

Advantages of investing in commercial property in Poland

Poland offers numerous advantages for investors. It is a strategically located country with an emerging economy, progressive politics and an active market.

Stable economy and sustainable GDP growth

Poland has shown stable economic growth in recent years. In 2021, the country’s GDP grew by 5.7% and the trend continues. A steady increase in national income and rising consumer demand are contributing to rising rental rates and commercial property prices. The high level of economic security makes the country an excellent choice for property investment. Investments in cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk will provide stable income in the long term.

Infrastructure projects and active demand for property

Poland is actively modernising its infrastructure, which creates additional opportunities for investors. In recent years, the country has invested in building new airports, modernising railway networks and improving transport hubs. These changes lead to an increase in property values in promising areas. It is also worth noting the high demand for commercial properties, especially in major cities. Warsaw, Krakow and other economically active metropolises in Poland offer excellent opportunities for tenants.

Tax advantages and programmes for foreign investors

Poland provides tax incentives for foreign investors when investing in commercial property, which significantly increases the profitability of investments. In particular, the country’s tax system actively incentivises investments in construction and rental properties. The Investor Benefit Programme creates additional incentives for investment in real estate.

How to choose the right property for investing in overseas commercial property

Choosing the right property to invest in commercial property in Poland is the key to successful profits. A few factors to consider when making a decision:

1. Location. In large cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, it is worth targeting business districts and areas where there is active development and modernisation of infrastructure.

2. Type of facility. Offices, hotel complexes, retail space or warehouses. For long-term stability and high income, it is worth considering office buildings in major cities

   

3. Condition of the property. Areas that require minimal investment in repairs can be particularly favourable. It is important to consider the condition of the building, the age of the structure and potential repair costs.

4. Rental rate and lease term. Long-term tenants with a proven track record and stable financial flows – a guarantee of regular income.

Pros of investing in commercial overseas property: the main one

Countries with highly developed markets, such as Poland, offer not only stable rental income, but also significant potential for growth in the value of properties in the long term. Investing in commercial property abroad opens new horizons for portfolio diversification and capital protection. With a stable economy, active infrastructure development and tax advantages, Poland becomes an ideal choice for those seeking certainty in their investments.