A Dacha in Mirny or Two New iPhones – Which Would You Pick?

Let«s be honest, iPhones are expensive. So much so that the price of two iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB models—almost 340,000 rubles (about $3,600 at current rates)—can buy you a home. Granted, not in downtown Yakutsk and without any amenities, but a home nonetheless! There are six listings in all of Yakutia on a popular classifieds site that fit this price point. So, what would you choose? Two brand-new iPhones or a dacha (cottage) in Mirny?

A Dacha Near a Ski Lodge

The first dacha, measuring 25 square meters (269 sq ft), costs just 200,000 rubles (about $2,100)—not much more than a new iPhone. It«s located in the »Rudnik« cooperative near the city of Mirny, close to a ski lodge and not too far from the city center. You could comfortably live there and commute to work. The seller describes the renovation briefly—it»s cosmetic. The toilet is outside, but there«s a well, so drawing water is no problem. The plot is 3 sotkas (approximately 0.03 hectares or 0.07 acres).

A House by the River

A slightly more expensive option—290,000 rubles (about $3,100)—is situated 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from Mirny in the «Pirog» cooperative. It«s harder to reach on foot, but the air is cleaner and the Irelakh River is nearby. The interior has a designer renovation and includes a banya (Russian steam bath). All in all, for that price, there»s plenty of space to unwind, especially with a plot of 12 sotkas (0.12 hectares or 0.3 acres).

A Neglected Plot

A dacha for the same 300,000 rubles (about $3,200) is located near Mirny in the «Rudnik» association. The ad author immediately admits: the plot is neglected, and there is no ownership title, only membership rights. The toilet is outside, there«s a cesspit instead of a sewer, but electricity is available. The plot is just 5 sotkas (0.05 hectares or 0.12 acres), and the house is 16 square meters (172 sq ft).

Good Timber House with a Semi-Abandoned Plot

Another house for 300,000 rubles (about $3,200) is for sale in the «Rudnik» garden association. It«s made of timber, is warm, has a shed and an outdoor toilet, but there have been no plantings on the plot—only potatoes were grown. So, if you»ve decided to become a farmer, you«ll have to work on the soil. The house, by the way, is not under full ownership; possession rights are via a membership book, but they can be re-registered if needed. The good news is the house has electricity. Everything else needed for living can be arranged by the owner.

A Metal Box

A pavilion—literally an abandoned metal box—is for sale near Neryungri in the settlement of Serebryany Bor. The asking price is 300,000 rubles (about $3,200), with the note that the buyer will not receive ownership of the land. Just the box. However, a mortgage is possible. The house area is 18 square meters (194 sq ft). Here, it«s probably better to take the two iPhones.

A Crumbling House

Another unique offer is located in a dacha settlement beyond Chulman in the Neryungrinsky District. The house has an attached veranda and kitchen, and there is a glazed gazebo outside. There is no electricity, water, or gas, but the seller promises the house itself is warm. The house area is 35 square meters (377 sq ft), and the plot is 20 sotkas (0.2 hectares or 0.5 acres). If you want a detox from all modern utilities, this seems like a great solution. Moreover, the seller promises a lawnmower as a gift to the genuine buyer.