Is it profitable to invest in real estate? Expert analysis

The real estate sector is once again in the spotlight. A combination of factors, such as global economic instability and a growing interest in capital protection, make 2024 a particularly important year for investors. However, real estate investment strategies are changing in response to economic conditions. To be successful, it is important to understand what works today. In this post, we analyze current methods to help you make the right decision.

Modern Real Estate Investment Strategies for 2024

Real estate investment in 2024 offers many exciting opportunities for those who want to take advantage of market changes. Understanding the key trends and effective techniques can help you maximize your profits and minimize your risk. Below are some key techniques that will help you stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of residential and commercial real estate.

Short-term rentals and Airbnb

Short-term rentals via platforms like Airbnb continue to attract investors, especially in cities with high tourism. The post-pandemic tourism boom is back in full force and the destination is now a lucrative tool for generating high revenue. For example, renting an apartment for one or two weeks can generate three times more income than renting it for a longer period, especially if the property is located in an area with developed infrastructure and transportation facilities. It is worth considering the risks involved: high operating costs, the need for constant maintenance of the property, and possible legal restrictions that can reduce the attractiveness of short-term rental.

Investment in new buildings

Investing in new buildings and working with project developers is one of the most popular real estate investment strategies among Russian investors. When buying an apartment during the excavation phase, you have the opportunity to acquire a space at a price 20-30% lower than the market value after the transaction. This is an important feature that allows you to increase the return on your investment. It is important to choose reliable developers who minimize the risk of delays in construction. To achieve this goal, attention should be paid to the reputation and financial stability of the developer. These types of investments are usually recouped after two to three years of operation, especially in large cities where demand for new buildings is consistently high.

Commercial real estate and office space

Commercial real estate is another attractive option for investors, especially given the active recovery of the office market. Despite the growing popularity of remote working, demand for office space has stabilized. Long-term tenants from large companies guarantee stable cash flow and minimal risk. Investments in office buildings located in shopping areas are particularly attractive. This trend requires large capital investments at the beginning, which is not suitable for everyone.

Benefits and risks of real estate investment strategies

Real estate has long been considered one of the most reliable investments that protect your capital from inflation. The biggest advantage is that its value can be maintained even in times of economic instability. Investing in real estate offers the opportunity to generate a regular income through rental of real estate and at the same time protect your capital from loss of value. There is also the possibility of taking advantage of tax benefits: income tax refund when purchasing an apartment.

Risks and how to reduce them

Investing in real estate is not without risk, regardless of the strategy followed. The most important of these are the revaluation of real estate values, the difficulty of finding tenants and possible changes in legislation. In order to minimize potential losses, it is essential to carefully analyze the market, choose reliable properties and work with experienced real estate agents. It is important to look not only at the current condition of the property, but also at the possibilities of the neighborhood in which it is located. For example, infrastructure projects currently underway can significantly increase the value of real estate in the future.

The impact of economic factors on real estate prices

The cost per square meter is influenced by many factors: inflation, mortgage interest rates and the general economic situation of the country. Experts expect a moderate increase in costs until 2024, especially in regions with developing economies. It is important to know that changes in taxes or government support for housing have a direct impact on the attractiveness of investments. For example, by abolishing a preferential mortgage, the demand for housing can decrease and thus also its price.

How to choose a real estate investment strategy?

Before investing your capital, it is important to clearly define your objectives. Do you plan to generate passive income through rental or do you want to sell the property quickly if its value increases? For long-term investments, it makes sense to buy commercial properties or apartments to rent out. For short-term purposes, it is beneficial to invest in new buildings with the potential for resale.

Risk assessment and market analysis

A careful market analysis is necessary to choose the right investment. It is important to look not only at current prices, but also at macroeconomic factors such as unemployment rate, personal income and changes in legislation. It is also worth paying attention to infrastructure projects that can increase the attractiveness of the region.

A practical list of steps for choosing a strategy:

1. Market analysis: study current trends and assess supply and demand in relevant areas.
2. Choose the type of property: determine whether it should be a residential property, a commercial property or a new construction project.
3. Capital valuation: budget calculation, taking into account purchase, repair and maintenance costs.
4. Document check: make sure that all property documents are in order and that there are no attachments.
5. Rent or resell: choose your monetization strategy: rent for passive income or resell for profit.

Conclusion

Real estate investment strategies in 2024 are diverse and offer many opportunities for generating income. Short-term rentals, investments in new buildings and commercial spaces: all these approaches can be successful if they are properly analyzed and planned. Success depends on understanding the current economic conditions and choosing the right real estate to invest in. It is time to study the market and try to invest to achieve financial freedom and stability.

What is commercial real estate? It’s not just buildings and spaces. It’s a tool capable of generating a stable cash flow, building active capital, and ensuring long-term financial stability. Objects include office centers, retail spaces, warehouses, hotels, restaurants, business centers, production facilities, medical and sports facilities. The main feature is the use not for living, but exclusively for profit, whether it’s renting, resale, or conducting business.

Unlike residential properties, income from commercial assets depends on business activity in the region, transportation accessibility, infrastructure, and legal nuances of the lease agreement. For example, an office in Moscow City rents from 2,000 to 3,500 rubles per square meter, while a similar footage on the outskirts does not always exceed 800 rubles per square meter. Hence the approach – to calculate not by intuition, but through analytics, comparison, and forecasting.

What is commercial real estate: dynamics and trends of the segment

The commercial real estate segment is constantly transforming. Businesses change formats, tenants demand flexibility, and developers take into account the new reality. After the 2020 pandemic, there was an increased interest in flexible offices and mixed-use spaces. According to the analytical agency IRN for the year 2024, 42% of new deals in major cities were concluded precisely for flexible formats (clusters, coworking spaces, showrooms).

Retail real estate has also adapted: tenants focus on foot traffic, proximity to key attraction points (supermarkets, metro, hubs). For example, in St. Petersburg, the area for street retail on Nevsky Prospekt is rented out at a rate starting from 12,000 rubles per square meter per month, while in residential areas, this figure fluctuates within 2,500-4,000 rubles.

Profitability mathematics: precise calculations lead to stable earnings

To answer the question of what commercial real estate is and whether it is worth investing in such properties, it is important to understand how income is generated. The evaluation model includes:

1. Initial investments – purchase price, repairs, registration, insurance, legal services.
2. Ongoing expenses – utility payments, depreciation, taxes, maintenance, management company.
3. Income – rental income or one-time profit from sales.
4. Net profit – revenue minus all expenses.

For example, a cafe space of 120 square meters in the center of Kazan is sold for 14 million rubles. Repairs and equipment will require another approximately 2 million. The average rental rate in this area is 2,000 rubles per square meter. With full occupancy and stable tenants, the monthly revenue will be 240,000 rubles (before taxes and expenses). At current rates, the return on investment occurs after 6-7 years of operation.

Typology of commercial real estate: choosing based on purpose

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different formats are suitable for different strategies:

1. Street retail – high traffic, quick liquidity, short lease terms. Ideal for shops, cafes, showrooms.
2. Office spaces – long-term contracts, predictable income, low tenant turnover with a strategic location.
3. Warehouses and logistics complexes – especially in regions with active e-commerce (e.g., Moscow region, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk).
4. Hotel real estate – unstable but potentially high income in tourist centers with 60-70% occupancy.
5. Coworking spaces and hubs – recent trends, effective with the right marketing model.

Strengths and weaknesses of investments: what commercial real estate is without embellishments

Commercial real estate is a high-risk asset with high returns. The advantages lie in the ability to earn higher income than residential rentals and in longer-term contracts. However, challenges include sensitivity to the economy, dependence on tenant profiles, high initial costs, and maintenance expenses.

For example, a vacant store without a tenant does not bring a loss, but there are constant expenses for security, utilities, taxes. Conversely, successful leasing, even with deferred terms, pays off multiple times.

Calculation practice: how much does commercial real estate actually yield

Using a typical office space in a Class “B+” business center in Yekaterinburg as an example. Area – 180 square meters, purchase price – 15.5 million rubles. Average rental rate – 1,400 rubles per square meter. Gross income – 252,000 rubles per month. After deducting operating expenses, taxes, and management fees, around 170,000 rubles remain net. Thus, the annual income exceeds 2 million rubles, and the property pays off within 7.5 years.

The rate of return varies from 7% (Moscow, center) to 14-16% (outlying cities, “C” category properties). Residential real estate in similar conditions yields 3.5-5.5% annually, making commercial real estate an obvious favorite with the right choice of property.

Strategies: how to approach buying and management

The classic strategy defining what commercial real estate is, is “buy and lease.” Modern models involve a more flexible approach:

1. Renovation and reprofiling (e.g., from warehouse to food hall).
2. Purchasing during the construction phase at a reduced price with subsequent sale or leasing at market rates.
3. Long-term management involving a management company (especially relevant for hotels or large offices).
4. Investments in thematic spaces: sports, healthcare, children’s centers – particularly in densely populated residential areas.

A list of risks that should not be forgotten:

1. Risk of tenant absence due to market changes.
2. Fluctuations in rental rates during economic crises.
3. Need for capital investments every 5-7 years.
4. Losses from downtime and conflicts with tenants.
5. Inability to quickly liquidate the asset without discounting the price.

These risks are offset by sound legal support, liquidity assessment before purchase, and choosing a segment with stable demand.

What is commercial real estate: a sensible investment for a systematic approach

Investing in commercial real estate requires precision, an analytical approach, and an understanding of market specifics. It’s not a lottery but an engineering calculation. With the right choice, a sound management model, and a long-term strategy, such an asset can become not just a source of income but the foundation of an investment portfolio. The development of hybrid formats, increasing demand for quality spaces, and changing consumption patterns open up new opportunities for investors.