Apartment dilemma significantly impacts demographic distribution.
A recent survey conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) reveals that housing is a significant factor in the decision-making process for young people regarding family life. The results suggest that the young generation is delaying family life due to housing concerns, as they perceive access to housing as less guaranteed and more market-oriented.
The survey asked respondents about the importance of having personal housing for having children. The findings indicate that the attitude towards housing as a mandatory condition for creating a family is becoming a norm among the young generation. For instance, 44% believe that one should not have a child without their own apartment, a position shared by almost as many younger millennials (born 1992-2000) and Generation Z (born 2001 and later).
The high cost of housing and elevated mortgage rates in Russia are causing young Russians to delay having their first child. In regions like Stavropol, housing prices have increased dramatically—from about 19,000 rubles (~$55) per square meter in 2013 to 130,000 rubles (~$150) today, with premium units costing around 600,000 rubles (~$700) per square meter. These steep increases are compounded by the Central Bank’s high interest rates, which hit 21% in late 2024 and remained elevated at 18% into mid-2025, substantially raising mortgage costs and making home ownership less accessible for young families.
These economic barriers occur alongside broader regional challenges such as youth outmigration, lack of jobs, deteriorating infrastructure, and insufficient investment in many towns, which further reduce incentives for young adults to settle down and start families. Poor public services and healthcare shortages also contribute to an overall difficult environment for raising children.
Ignoring housing as a factor in demographic policy is perceived as not understanding the motivation of those who will determine future fertility. The survey findings suggest that the young generation values self-sufficiency in housing for family life. However, 48% of those surveyed accept the scenario of having a child without their own apartment, relying on the possibility of renting or living with parents.
The importance of personal housing for having children varies significantly among different generations. Among older millennials (born 1982-1991), only 47% consider housing a condition for having a child, while among the reforming generation (born 1968-1981), 37% consider it a condition. Among the stagnation generation (born 1948-1967), only 34% consider housing a condition for having a child.
In conclusion, the combination of skyrocketing housing costs, high mortgage interest rates, and socio-economic challenges forms a significant obstacle prompting young Russians to postpone having their first child until they achieve better housing and financial stability.
The high cost of housing and mortgage rates in Russia have a significant impact on the young population's decision to start a family, with 44% believing that personal housing is a necessary condition for having children. The young generation perceives investing in real-estate as essential for personal-finance, evident in the 48% who accept the scenario of having a child without their own apartment but prefer renting or living with family. These economic barriers, coupled with regional challenges, result in a delayed family life for many young Russians. The importance of housing in family life consideration varies across generations, with younger generations prioritizing home ownership more than older ones.
