Russian property buyers can complete remote home purchases using biometrics, developer Artur Martirosyan said, but must still inspect completed apartments in person.
Martirosyan, the founder of the ART GROUP group of companies, told Russian newspaper Izvestia that buying real estate online is growing in popularity across the country. He noted that remote transactions eliminate the need for physical meetings between buyers and sellers while offering financial savings.
Under current rules introduced on July 1, remote property deals rely on biometric identity verification through the Unified Biometric System (EBS). Citizens submit biometric data once at a bank branch, allowing them to verify their identity for future transactions without visiting a notary or administrative office.
The Unified Biometric System is Russia's centralized digital infrastructure for identity verification, managed by state authorities to streamline public and financial services. Multifunctional Centres, known as MFCs, serve as local government service hubs where Russian citizens traditionally file physical property paperwork.
Digital registration and financial security
Every phase of a remote property deal can be completed digitally, including mortgage approval, contract signing, funds transfers, and filing ownership documents with Rosreestr. Electronic registration of property rights takes no more than three working days, compared to a week or longer when filing through an MFC.
Rosreestr, officially known as the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography, is the government agency responsible for maintaining official land records and property ownership titles across Russia.
Mortgage borrowers who complete transactions online can reduce travel costs, particularly when buying property in another city, and may qualify for lower loan interest rates. Martirosyan emphasized that buyers gain added protection through escrow accounts, which hold purchase funds securely in a bank until the developer fulfills all contractual obligations.
Escrow accounts are specialized bank accounts mandated in real estate developments to safeguard buyer payments against construction delays or developer insolvency. In addition, digital transactions create a clear documentary trail, while electronic signatures record the exact timestamp and content of documents to serve as evidence in potential legal disputes.
Verification steps for new builds and secondary homes
Before signing a contract for a new development, buyers should verify the builder's background through the Unified Information System for Housing Construction (EISZhS). Martirosyan advised buyers to inspect contract terms, booking conditions, and electronic registration clauses thoroughly.
The EISZhS is an official state database that tracks residential construction projects, builder licenses, and development timelines across Russia. Martirosyan noted that buyers do not need to visit a construction site for initial viewings, as digital tours and video broadcasts are sufficient to evaluate floor plans and window views. However, he stressed that buyers should inspect the apartment in person during final acceptance.
For secondary market transactions, buyers must independently order an extract from the Unified State Register of Real Estate (EGRN) to check ownership history. Representative powers of attorney should be verified through the online database of the Federal Notarial Chamber.
Properties with complex histories, such as shared ownership stakes or inherited claims, should only be purchased with legal guidance. Martirosyan warned that buyers should transfer funds exclusively to the bank details listed in the contract, noting that seller requests to use external links for alleged safe payment systems signal potential fraud.
Preparing for mortgage approval
Financial experts previously advised Russians preparing for mortgage applications to clear small debts and cancel unused credit cards. Closing open credit lines reduces debt burdens and improves borrower credit profiles prior to formal bank evaluation.
