Russians buying or selling homes on the resale market are increasingly hiring realtors for legal property checks and paperwork instead of housing searches, according to a survey by Avito Real Estate.
The study found that 69 percent of survey respondents engage a real estate agency or specialist for full or partial assistance during a transaction.
Avito Real Estate conducted the online survey in July 2026 among 10,000 adult Russian citizens. Among the participants, 17 percent had bought an apartment on the secondary market, while 11 percent had sold one. A further 11 percent said they plan to purchase a home within the next six months, 7 percent plan to sell within six months, and 11 percent are considering a transaction further in the future. Respondent categories in the study were permitted to overlap.
In Russia, the secondary real estate market comprises previously owned residential properties, separating it from the primary market of new housing developments sold by construction companies. Transactions in the secondary sector frequently require detailed legal due diligence, as buyers must verify that prior ownership transfers were lawfully completed and that properties are free of legal encumbrances, unpaid debts, or competing claims from unregistered heirs.
Shift in realtor duties and transaction timing
Analysts found that 40 percent of respondents opt for comprehensive transaction support, while another 29 percent hire a realtor for assistance at specific stages of the deal. In addition, 40 percent of those surveyed contact a specialist before starting an active apartment search or publishing a sales listing, whereas 27 percent initially attempt to search independently before turning to an agent.
Participants identified legal verification of the property and its ownership transfer history as a primary task for realtors, selected by 38 percent of respondents. Preparing legal documents and organizing financial settlements tied for the top spot, also chosen by 38 percent. Meanwhile, 26 percent of respondents valued assistance in coordinating all parties involved in the transaction, including commercial banks, public notaries, and other real estate agents.
Avito Real Estate is the property division of Avito, Russia's largest online classifieds service. Online real estate platforms in Russia allow prospective buyers to browse property listings, filter by location and price, and contact owners directly, reducing reliance on agents solely for finding available housing.
Differences between buyer and seller priorities
The study highlighted distinct priorities between property buyers and sellers. Among respondents who bought a secondary market apartment within the last three years, 41 percent named legal verification of the property and its history as the most important service provided by a realtor.
For sellers, preparing contracts, assembling required documentation, and arranging payment settlements took top priority, selected by 42 percent of respondents. An additional 29 percent of sellers identified party coordination as a key agent responsibility.
When selecting a real estate professional, 35 percent of respondents said transparent service pricing and pre-determined payment terms were most important. Personal recommendations influenced 30 percent of participants, while 28 percent prioritized a realtor's willingness to define their duties and financial liability in a formal written contract.
Payment structures and market implications
Fixed pricing for full service was the most widespread payment model in recent transactions involving an agent, cited by 40 percent of respondents. Separate fees for individual specific services accounted for 22 percent of deals, while 19 percent of clients paid a commission based on a percentage of the final apartment price. Among percentage-based deals, the average commission rate was roughly 3 percent.
Sergei Eremkin, managing director of secondary and suburban real estate at Avito Real Estate, said that as the market for ready housing revives, professional guidance and a clear step-by-step plan become increasingly vital for transaction participants.
The research demonstrates that digital listing services have not eliminated real estate intermediaries, but have shifted the focus of their work. With property searches moving online, buyers and sellers seek realtors primarily to mitigate legal risks, manage complex documentation, and ensure secure settlement procedures through banks and notary offices. For real estate agencies, this trend signals a transition from general buying assistance toward transparent, modular service packages with fixed fees and contractual accountability.
