In 2025, securing a mortgage in Russia has become significantly more challenging due to high interest rates and strict bank requirements. The average market mortgage rate has reached 26% per annum, prompting banks to be more selective in approving loans. However, government preferential programs are providing opportunities for certain categories of borrowers.

Market mortgages are primarily accessible to borrowers with high official incomes and impeccable credit histories. Banks require a down payment of at least 20% of the property’s cost, and the borrower’s confirmed income must be sufficient to cover monthly loan payments. Additionally, the total credit burden, including the mortgage payment, should not exceed 50% of the borrower’s average monthly income.

For an average family of three seeking to purchase a 50 sq. meter apartment, monthly income requirements range from 250,000 to 300,000 rubles in regions with relatively low costs per square meter. In major cities like Kazan or St. Petersburg, this figure exceeds 400,000 rubles. Consequently, market mortgages are typically obtained by those improving their living conditions by selling existing property or high-income individuals who plan to repay the mortgage quickly.

State preferential programs are a major driving force in the mortgage market, accounting for a significant portion of issued mortgages. As of the first quarter of 2025, preferential programs represented 82% of the total mortgage volume and 61% of the number of issues. These programs include the Family Mortgage, Mortgages for IT Specialists, and the Far Eastern and Arctic Mortgage.

The Family Mortgage is the most popular program, offering a rate of 6% per annum to families with children under six, families in small towns with two minor children, families with two minor children in regions with low construction volumes, and families raising a disabled child. Mortgages for IT specialists offer a 6% rate to IT professionals earning a certain salary threshold and working for accredited IT companies. The Far Eastern and Arctic Mortgages offer rates up to 2% to residents of the Far East and Arctic regions.