Buying property in Kaliningrad: how it works
An overview for buyers from abroad — from the first enquiry to getting the keys.
Sergey Chereshnev, owner of CENTURY 21 Expert · October 2026
1. What are you looking for?
Kaliningrad itself (formerly Königsberg), the coast — Zelenogradsk (formerly Cranz), Svetlogorsk (formerly Rauschen), Pionersky (formerly Neukuhren) — or a suburb such as Guryevsk (formerly Neuhausen); new build or resale; budget and timing. The more precise the enquiry, the faster the selection.
2. Remote selection
We send you matching listings with floor plans and prices. If you like, an agent will show you the apartment on a video call — so you only travel for the properties that are really worth it.
3. Legal check before the deposit
Our legal department checks the property and everyone involved using state sources: who owns the apartment, whether any encumbrances or disputes are known, whether the seller is entitled to sell. You get a written report: which risks were found and what to do about each of them.
4. Viewing and reservation
You come to Kaliningrad, see your shortlist and decide. For a new build we reserve the apartment with the developer. For a resale apartment a deposit is agreed — only after the check.
5. Contract and payment
- New build under construction. You sign a shared construction agreement (DDU). The money is usually held in a bank escrow account until completion; the developer receives it only after that. This has been the rule in Russia since July 2019 (Federal Law No. 214-FZ).
- Completed buildings and resale apartments. You sign a sale and purchase agreement. The money is usually transferred via a bank safe deposit box or a letter of credit: the seller receives it only once you are registered as the owner.
- Cash payment. Many buyers come in person and bring the money with them. How to bring it in, declare it and deposit it correctly — discuss this with our lawyer in advance.
Contracts are signed in Russian. We explain every clause to you in writing in English beforehand.
6. Registration and handover
You become the owner once you are entered in the state register (EGRN, Rosreestr agency). For a new build, the agreement is registered first; after the building is completed, the apartment is handed over with a handover certificate, and then you are registered as the owner.
How much does our support cost?
For new builds you pay no commission: the developer pays our fee, and the price is the same as buying directly from the developer. For resale apartments we agree the terms in advance and put them in the contract.