Expert suggests KRT projects in Tomsk should hike housing prices in surrounding areas.
Living the High Life: Tomsk's Comprehensive Development Projects
Tomsk, May 10 – RIA Tomsk. Comprehensive Development Territory (KRT) projects aren't just about developing the investment-ready plots, but also about uplifting the surrounding neighborhoods, says Dmitriy HlopeTSov, Director of Tomsk's Real Estate Appraisal Bureau, TOKKO.
In late 2021, the KRT law was passed in Tomsk Oblast. It focuses on developing areas containing hazardous housing and undeveloped land. Investors must draft and approve construction plans, which should include multi-story residential buildings and social facilities, as well as essential infrastructure. As of April 2025, 11 such agreements have been signed in the region, with potential for more plots to become available.
"More development plots may become available. However, the risk of these areas turning into standard residential complexes without taking the city's overall development into account exists," cautions HlopeTSov. "It's important not to perceive KRT narrowly, focusing solely on the development of a specific piece of land. Consider its surrounding infrastructure. Will the people living nearby benefit from improved infrastructure? Will their living costs increase?"
The expert believes that well-developed areas surrounding the proposed investment land would have sufficient social infrastructure, such as schools and kindergartens, allowing for their exclusion from the KRT project. Conversely, the investor should strive to build as many social facilities as possible, reducing the quantity of residential real estate.
Tomsk stands on the brink of executing two more KRT projects: one on Vozyanaya Street and the Aerodromnaya area.
Previously reported, Tomsk Oblast found itself on a list of regions experiencing a surplus of housing supply in the primary market in March 2025: 68% of newly constructed housing remains unpurchased. The price of a square meter in Tomsk's new construction in early 2025 was 128,4 thousand rubles, compared to 124,6 thousand rubles in the secondary market. Prices are almost equalised. Experts attribute this to mortgage becoming less accessible, not only for secondary but also for new housing.
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KRT projects not only improve the specific plots provided to investors but also the surrounding neighborhoods. This encompasses developing better infrastructure, improving local schools, recently constructed roadways, and public transportation systems. In turn, these updates lead to increased property values, enhancing the overall appeal of the area.
In some cases, the development project may overlook essential social infrastructure like schools, kindergartens, and community centers if the surrounding region already provides a sufficient network. However, investors must take into consideration the urban development as a whole and aim to contribute to the collective growth of their chosen location.
This expansion can have significant economic benefits, stimulating local businesses and job creation, leading to overall economic growth and increased average income levels. Moreover, the improvement in infrastructure and public amenities will likely boost the quality of life for residents, making the area more enticing for both current and future residents. Ultimately, these developments will contribute to a well-rounded, thriving community in Tomsk.
The KRT projects in Tomsk extend beyond improving the designated investment plots, aiming to strengthen local infrastructure, schools, newly constructed roads, and public transportation systems for the neighborhoods. Such updates are expected to increase property values, enhancing the appeal of the area.
In certain instances, the development plans may disregard essential social infrastructure like schools, kindergartens, and community centers if the region already offers a sufficient network. However, investors must consider the area's urban development holistically, striving to contribute to the collective growth of their chosen location.
These expansions can bring substantial economic advantages, stimulating local businesses and job creation, leading to economic growth and enhanced average income levels in Tomsk. Furthermore, the infrastructure improvements and public amenities will likely enhance the quality of life for residents, making the area more attractive for both current and future residents. Ultimately, these developments will foster a thriving, well-rounded community in Tomsk, continuing through 2025 and beyond for finance-driven real-estate investing.
