'Total Failure': Altai Krai Land Market Stalls

Today, the land market in Altai Krai is experiencing a notable cooldown. Real estate experts surveyed by NGS22.RU explain this trend and share forecasts for the future.

«Few Real Inquiries»

Realtor Sergey Bastrykin notes that his portfolio currently includes several plots in Barnaul.

— «Despite interest in the property, there are few real inquiries. The situation is aggravated by the position of owners who are not yet ready to lower prices. In addition, the winter period traditionally reduces the activity of buyers wishing to purchase land under snow. Spring may bring changes,» the realtor believes.

As for the suburbs of Barnaul, there is enough land there. However, as Bastrykin notes, even events dedicated to individual housing construction (IHC) do not attract due attention, including from realtors, which indicates a lack of frenzy. Despite this, there are hopes for a future surge in interest in IHC.

— «There is a complete failure in demand for plots for individual housing construction (IHC). Currently, we do not see a furious growth in land prices, and there is an opportunity to purchase a plot at a reasonable price for subsequent construction. However, there are also difficulties, such as the requirement to register and bring the land into order within three years, which does not add optimism to the market,» the specialist clarified.

Realtor Olga Ismailova confirmed that interest in land plots will increase in spring not only in Altai Krai and the Altai Republic, since the value of land is constantly increasing.

— «A buyer who consciously purchases land, as a rule, clearly understands that they are doing it for their own comfort and want to live in nature, which makes it a profitable investment. Is it advisable to buy land now? In my opinion, definitely yes. These are investments that bring profit, as the cost of land is constantly growing, especially in the Altai Republic and Altai Krai. It is Altai that is now actively developing, significant funds are being invested in it, new prospects are opening up. The increase in tourist flow and the influx of federal investments will certainly lead to a rise in land prices in the region,» the expert emphasizes.

What Innovations Await in 2026?

According to Oleg Gilgenberg, from 2026, work with land plots will become more dynamic, but at the same time significantly stricter. The reason is the entry into force in March 2026 of large-scale changes to the Land and Urban Planning Codes.

— «Briefly speaking, we are facing a reduction in confusion and ambiguity, acceleration of procedures, but an increase in formal restrictions and direct bans. This means that mistakes in land use strategy will cost more, and high-quality preparation will become an important competitive advantage,» the realtor explained.

The key change will be the emergence of a clear structure for types of permitted use (VRI) of land plots. Now VRI has received an official definition, and it is also spelled out where exactly it is established. The rules for the formation of new plots have also been clarified, with a strict binding of VRI to the method of land formation.

The realtor drew attention to an important nuance: lessees of state and municipal land will be prohibited from changing the VRI specified in the contract. Moreover, if the territory planning documentation does not provide for housing, the plot cannot be transferred to residential construction.

— «This is that rare case when the law really simplifies life for the market. Yes, there are more restrictions. But the rules have become clearer,» the expert emphasized.

Why Are Buyers Waiting?

In addition to legislative changes, the current economic situation is also affecting the decline in demand. Oleg Gilgenberg notes that many potential buyers in Altai Krai prefer to keep money on deposits, waiting for more favorable moments for investment.

Nevertheless, some directions retain their attractiveness. According to the broker, land plots on Pavlovsky Trakt in the direction of Barnaul Airport are still in demand. Also, clients show interest in plots in the bedroom communities of Barnaul, where active construction is underway.