Russians are investing heavily in overseas property, and even though the Russian stock market continues to suffer (and there will approximately 50% less billionaires in Russia this time next year), there are ongoing reasons for wealthy Russians to search for prestigious properties to buy as a long-term investment.

Russian realtors and developers are starting to show signs of optimism that investors are returning to the real estate market, although analysts caution that actual sales will depend significantly on the discounts being offered.
There is already seeing signs of a revival of the real estate market on the demand side. And it’s not just the interest that’s rising — there are more deals, too. Prices have bottomed out, or very nearly so.

Foreign investors in real estate expect to spend much more in 2009 than they did in 2008, according to an annual report tracking institutional investor interest.

Oligarchs favour trophy homes of white stucco with their own parking areas in Chelsea, Belgravia and Mayfair, but the price must be right! According to the Timesonline web magazine, despite the international economic crisis, some Russian oligarchs can still afford to treat themselves to such British status-symbols as white-stuccoed houses in Belgravia. However, the price must be right!

Singapore is becoming the Switzerland of the East. Global investors are attracted to the city-state for a number of reasons. The country does not have currency controls or a capital gains tax. This means foreigners can send money into the country and remove it without official questioning. Property buyers who make a profit from capital gains are free to take the money out of the country. Singapore also does not impose a withholding tax for the disposal of a property and foreigners can buy private property without restrictions. The country is also attractive because it does not have any inheritance tax.

Nuevo cash rich Russians have been buying high end property in the UK. Now, despite London still being a popular destination, the new emerging middle class turn to cheaper and more affordable properties where the sun shines.
First-time Russian overseas buyers are now looking at South-East Asia and particularly the Philippines. Persistent bad weather has also encouraged people to buy homes in places where sunshine can be relied on and prices are a fraction of those in Europe.

Australia's long sandy beaches have long tempted travelers from around the world, but it is no longer just sun, surf and sand luring Russians 'down under'.
Recent research has revealed that buyers from the Russian Federation are now the biggest foreign investors of residential property on the Gold Coast, one of Australia's most renowned beachside destinations.