Is Russia a place to invest?

Different investment property clubs underline the current trend of property investors steering away from the Russian investment property market. Market analysts believe that present price tags of investment properties in Russia have risen unsustainably to unaffordable and impractical levels. In fact, observers agree unanimously that every property investment in St. Petersburg and in Moscow (the major cities) has become so expensive. This is because there is not much supply while demand constantly rises up. It also makes the situation worse that many investors believe the Russian real estate market, along with the local stock market, would collapse anytime.
The instability of the stock and property markets has created inevitable fears among Russian property buyers and investors. Worries about possible property industry meltdown have been sending Russian property buyers abroad, much to the safer havens where such buyers think and feel their investments could remain safe and lucrative. Most wealthy Russians are now snapping up luxury real estates in Paris, London, Tuscany, Cote d’ Azure, and New York. Middle-class Russians are even in search for affordable homes and apartments in Eastern and Central Europe and across the Middle East. 
In the last five years, Russian investors who invest in and own investment properties abroad have been increasing in number. Take note that most of them are in search of discount property items that are available at below market value. Up to 20% of those Russian investors buy resorts and vacation homes abroad. Another fifth allot retirement places, while up to 27.5% of Russians want to just immigrate into other countries. Just about 5.4% see this property transaction as more of an international status symbol. The rest treat property investment as investment and business-related activity.
Where are Russian property investors heading? Instead of buying investment properties locally, many wealthy Russians are instead buying real estate at other countries. Investment property clubs have found that most of such buyers focus their sights at Europe and Asia. Surveys have found the ten most common countries where Russians find and buy discount property opportunities at below market value: Bulgaria, Germany, Finland, Spain, Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, and Italy. Some of such investors even come to the US. Thus, Russians are getting across the world to buy and own investment properties. Several Russians and international buyers look at the Russian investment property market for opportunities. They get the surprise of their lives that local real estates are very ideal and are precious.
This is not surprising as Russia has always been a fascinating and essential destination. It has the flipside typical of modern Europe that most of the time awe and charm people. The capital city of Moscow is teeming with just too many fine architecture and sights. With a population of more than 142 million people, the country is currently the ninth most populated nation in the world. Perhaps, this mighty and growing population could be one of the main and simple factors why demand for investment properties has always been robust, while there are shortages in supplies. Local currency is called ruble, which could hardly be converted (at a fee) into Euro or US dollar. Thus, it would be very difficult if not impossible for any foreign property buyer to penetrate the Russian investment property market.