People usually search for ‘Moscow property developers’ when they have ten tabs open with residential developments, every offer has different terms, and they have no energy left to unravel corporate structures. This article brings together ten developers and questions to help you compare specific projects in Moscow, Russia. It is an editorial selection, not a ranking by construction volume or reliability; the order does not indicate ranking positions.
A company's name and size are no substitute for checking a particular residential development: its documents, deadlines, whether the property is a residential flat or a non-residential ‘apartment’, and the pressure on local infrastructure. If you are also assessing the property market and mortgage options, the 101 blog has a historical analysis: property market forecasts for autumn 2024 (in Russian). Its dates and terms refer to that period, not the current market.
Contents:
1. PIK
For PIK projects, check the project declaration and the history of deadline changes for your chosen development: one brand does not mean identical terms across all projects. If you plan to buy to let, check noise from major roads, parking and actual rental demand in the area separately.
2. Samolet Group
If your chosen Samolet project is being built in several phases, find out exactly which stage your building has reached and what will appear around it in one year and in three years. Another practical point is how access roads, exits and public transport work. In new neighbourhoods, these can affect your daily routine more than the layout.
3. MR Group
When assessing an MR Group project, consider its architecture and communal spaces alongside future monthly charges: building operation, security, parking and optional services. Ask how the first phase will function while other buildings around it are still under construction: this affects noise and access to the courtyard.
4. DONSTROY
For DONSTROY projects, assess the surroundings, landscaping, common areas and engineering systems alongside floor area. Find out in advance who will manage the building after commissioning, and which charges and rules will apply to residents. A separate question is what the finishing includes and what you will need to complete after receiving the keys.
5. FSK Group
For your chosen FSK Group project, assess the infrastructure and compare documented deadlines with progress on site so that your expectations of moving in match reality. When it is time to receive the keys, this checklist will be useful: accepting a flat from a developer (in Russian).
6. Level Group
For Level Group projects, examine sunlight exposure, views and actual courtyard privacy carefully: the height of nearby buildings affects these more than renderings do. A practical question for the sales team is what storage rooms, storage spaces and parking purchase terms are available, since these are part of everyday comfort.
7. A101 Group
A101 Group offers projects in New Moscow. When choosing, check which infrastructure facilities have already been built and are operating, and which remain on the drawing board: schools, nurseries, clinics and roads. If your purchase depends on a mortgage or subsidised programmes, remember that market terms change and compare scenarios using current terms.
8. ABSOLUT Group
When assessing an ABSOLUT Group project, compare price, location and surroundings, including access to green spaces. Look at the development plan as a whole: where roads and parking will be, which buildings will be in the next phase and how the courtyard is arranged. Another practical point is which finishing is handed over and how that affects your budget after buying.
9. Strana Development Group
When choosing a Strana Development Group project, check the local corporate structure: which company is responsible for the particular development, who signs the DDU — Russia's shared-construction participation agreement — and who will handle warranty enquiries. Ask how communication will work after the deal: this affects how quickly questions about your flat are resolved. These questions concern buying property in Russia.
10. OSNOVA Group
OSNOVA Group offers residential flats and non-residential ‘apartments’. Before buying in Russia, establish the legal status of the specific property clearly: residential premises or non-residential apartments. Check the residence registration conditions, utility charges, taxes and management company rules that apply to it; do not apply those terms to property in other countries. If you plan to renovate as soon as you receive the keys, prepare contractor selection criteria and a way to monitor costs in advance. The 101 blog has a detailed guide: how to choose a contractor (in Russian).
The ten Moscow developers in this selection are a starting point for comparison; the final decision concerns a particular development and a particular agreement. First check the project declaration and deadlines, then assess location and infrastructure, and only then the layout and finishing.
When it is time to receive the keys, follow a clear acceptance process and record issues systematically. A separate article in the 101 blog covers this: accepting a flat from a developer (in Russian).
