Russia is one of the largest countries in the world. With its strategic location on the upper parts of Europe and Asia and its natural reserves of oil and gas, Russian economy has soared since the middle 1990′s and stayed strong over the years. Just like the Russian economy, the property prices have also ascended. Property market has risen annually by three percent until the first quarter of 2009, and climbed higher by up to twenty percent for economy-class housing and thirty percent for business-class housing for the next quarters.

Ownership of Russian properties has not been made possible until the legislation of the Land Code of 2001, which gives the local Russian residents and foreign investors the right to own and use the properties they bought. What property to buy and where is the suitable place to buy a property for an assured good return of investment? Apartments in Russia are probably some of the best property investments you can get, especially if you can find a property for sale. The most suitable place to buy a property is in Moscow, which is the center of business and commerce of Russia, though prices are more expensive in Moscow than other Russian cities.

You can also choose to buy a property in equally commercially-active but less expensive cities, such as St. Petersburg. However, although property investment in Russia may sound good, it is not easy to make the necessary procedures in purchasing and selling a property in Russia. Both the buyer and the seller have to present the required documents, such as apartment titles and floor plans among others, and make a preliminary agreement that characterizes the conditions of all the future transactions of the buyer and the seller. Then, they can sign the sale-purchase agreement with notary after the payment has been made.

You may even sell or rent your property in Russia without actually living or being there, but by just finding trusted Irish agents in Russia. You can sell your property through the real estate websites, for instance, ExtraSales, which caters mostly to Russian buyers. ExtraSales has established direct links all throughout Russia, as well as the permission to promote on Russian real estate websites. You may also want to advertise your property in SID or Services Ireland Directory, where you can also find Irish agents that will advise you on how to sell your property in Russia. SID is an online directory that serves the various needs of the Irish people.

Created in the 12th century, Russia was originally a much smaller country. Known as Muscovy, the country was formed in the golden ring area surrounding present day Moscow. After being dominated by the Mongols for a few hundred years, the country began to slow start conquering lands and expanding. Russia as we know it today didn’t really form until Peter the Great came on the scene. A very tall man, Peter the Great could be considered the first great real estate investor of Russia. During his reign, Peter conquered all of the lands between Moscow and the Pacific Ocean. Russia is simply a huge country. From east to west, the country is so big you can travel for seven days on a train and still not make it all the way across.

During the 20th century, Russia converted from a rather corrupt monarchy to communism. Alas, communism didn’t turn out to be much better with leaders such as Joseph Stalin indiscriminately slaughtering much of the population through ill advised planning. Eventually, the Russians changed their mind and converted to a rough form of Democracy in 1991. Thereafter, the various satellite companies controlled by the former Soviet Union began breaking off and claiming independence. Democracy has been an up and down prospect for Russia. While Ferraris drive the streets of Moscow, the rest of the country can go months without heating. This contrast brings up a unique aspect of the cultural heritage of Russia.

In Russia, it is all about Moscow. Moscow gets everything first, while the rest of the country is really left to fend for itself. If you travel through Russia, you’ll be stunned at the differences including infrastructure and standard of living. Russia has gone through fits and starts in the change to Democracy. The Russian Mafia is legendary and has its hands in everything. At one point in the late 90s, only 7 percent of people paid taxes. Fortunately, things have begun to turn around under the reign of President Vladimir Putin. The mafia has lost some of its power or at least become less obvious. The foreign debt while represented 90 percent of the gross domestic product is now down into the teens. Real income for ordinary Russians is growing at about 12 percent on average. All and all, the country finally seems to be getting its ducks in a row.