No large fluctuations of prices of property to be seen in 2013

Kyiv, January 18 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The real estate market in 2012 retained stability and there will not be a large rise or fall in the prices for property in 2013.

"The market has remained stable for two-and-a-half years and this stability is even threatening. We'd like it better if there were more dynamics… large growth in the number of deals or transfers to other segments. In 2012, our clients mainly used their own forces, there were few mortgage credits and we don't project changes in the near term," Director General of Blagovist Real Estate Agency Iryna Lukhanina said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

She said that are market segments that could show a seasonal rise in prices.

"These are the so-called Kyiv's Venice located near water reservoirs, the prices of which could vary within 5-7%. As a whole, one could buy a one-room apartment for $35,000 before and it could be done now. I don't see trends for the price change. I think that the market this year will gladden us with its stability," Lukhanina said.

Changes in the procedure for registration of ownership rights to property will reduce the term of signing deals and make the market more dynamic.

"While earlier it took around one-and-a-half to two months to undergo the procedure, now it can be done in two weeks," she added.

Director General of Park Lane Real Estate Agency Halyna Melnykova said that demand for country houses near Kyiv will increase and the number of deals will grow by 20% in 2013.

"The price of one square meter of country houses is lower than the price of one square meter of an apartment. Even in a finished house the price of a square meter could be $1,000. This is a low price, taking into account that it includes the house's surrounding grounds. Moreover, recently a trend of buying country houses after the purchase of an apartment, especially in the luxury segment, was seen," she added.