One in three Russians lies about living in a more prestigious neighborhood when meeting people, according to a survey by architectural bureau Humo Architects reported by Telegram channel Ostorozhno, Novosti.
The online survey polled 3,000 residents aged 18 to 55 across Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other major Russian cities about their housing statements.
Another 24 percent of respondents said they do not lie directly but exaggerate the advantages of their location, such as claiming to live five minutes from the city center or in the greenest district, while avoiding mention of negative aspects. Only 14 percent of respondents report their place of residence honestly.
Dating Apps and Job Interviews
Respondents lie about their housing most frequently on dates, dating applications, and social media platforms, while 33 percent do so during job interviews. A quarter of participants said they exaggerate their living situation to seem successful, whereas 22 percent feel embarrassed by their actual neighborhood.
In addition, 35 percent of respondents admitted to inflating the size or room count of their apartment, and 37 percent refer to rented property as their own home.
The findings follow earlier discussions in Russia regarding proposals to legally invalidate rental housing advertisements that contain restrictions against children.
