From www.globaledge.co.uk:
St. Petersburg show numbers up 23%
Visitor numbers for last weekend's St Petersburg International Property Show are up 23% year-on-year according to organisers, aiGroup. A total of 5,110 unique visitors visited the show in the Exhibition Centre of North-West Russia in St, Petersburg, Russia's second largest city. Following the success, the show which is in its second year will now be held twice a year.
Learning the market
Kim Waddoup, Founder of aiGroup which also organises The Moscow International Property Show says there are distinct differences between buyers based in Moscow and those living in St.Petersburg. "Show visitors in St. Petersburg are still in the early learning phase, they are investigating what they can get for their money and are less likely to have their heart set on one particular destination. In Moscow, visitors often go directly to the country sections they know about. At this show, visitors seemed to want to visit every stand to research the opportunities available."
Egypt a surprise hit
Unsurprisingly Bulgaria was the most popular buying destination at the show due to its proximity and cultural links. According to Waddoup, Montenegro was the next most popular but recent price rises are starting to put Russian buyers off he says. The big surprise was the popularity of Egypt. "Many Russians have their savings under their beds and they don't trust the banks. They want to invest in property as it's seen as safe, even if it's only 30000 Euros. Our Egyptian exhibitors were offering low price property in a great destination. It ticked all the boxes" says Waddoup.
The next St. Petersburg International Property Show will be held on 16th & 17th October at Ledovy Stadium, Prospect Bolshevikov.
To your business success,
Olga Kellen, the Author of Selling to Russians, free e-book for real estate professionals
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