Living in suburbs of Tomsk is convenient only for individuals aged 50 and above
Living it Up in the Burbs: Why Suburban Housing Demand Outstrips Supply in Tomsk
Hey there! Let's talk real estate in Tomsk. Seems like people are loving the suburban life, even though city living is twice as pricey.
From January to November 2024, developers and private entities built a whopping 485,000 square meters of housing in the Tomsk region, with more than half being individual homes (IJS). That's 235,900 square meters for apartments, and 249,100 for IJS.
"When we talk about suburban homes, we're mainly limiting it to folks under 50 with kids. The big issue here is childcare: schools, daycares, after-school activities, a flick at the movies after dark. The desire hits a wall when it comes to a normal suburban lifestyle that relies on city amenities," shares Dmitriy Hlopcov, director of the real estate appraisal bureau "TOKKO."
And guess what? New housing in Tomsk in 2025 is still on the rise, despite a decline in sales. "City prices on the primary market are at 151,600 rubles per square meter, while on the secondary market, it's around 120-123,000 rubles. But suburban living is still between 60-70,000 rubles per square meter. If we talk about new suburban homes, contractors claim they can't build for less than 100,000 per square meter," reveals the expert.
Hlopcov emphasized that today's Russian real estate market, including in Tomsk, is mainly saturated with offers for suburban homes which families built cheaply and slowly over the decades. They sell their properties slowly and at near-production cost since maintaining the home and lacking suburban infrastructure is a luxury many can't afford.
The appeal of sprawling houses, cleaner air, and a quieter lifestyle, as well as the potential for future development, may drive demand for suburban properties Despite the current lack of infrastructure, particularly for families with children. Government policies and incentives might also play a role, as local governments can offer tax benefits or housing subsidies to boost suburban development. Russia's image as an "open country" under Putin, with stability and growth on the horizon, might also impact housing choices. But remember, specific data on Tomsk's housing market and local policies might not be readily available.
Investors could capitalize on the increasing demand for suburban homes in Tomsk's housing market, as families continue to prefer the lower prices and outdoor space offered when compared to city living. However, the lack of infrastructure, particularly for families with children, might present challenges for investors in the real estate sector, emphasizing the need for government policies and incentives to support suburban development in the region.
