Investment in Kyiv real estate via First Realty Group 1.8% up in H1, 2013

Kyiv, July 11 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Capital investment in real estate in Kyiv via transactions formalized at Blagovist and Park Lane, part of First Realty Group (all based in Kyiv), in January-June 2013 increased by 1.8% compared to January-June 2012, to $241.6 million, according to a press release from the group, prepared for a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

According to the press release, in the second quarter the number of sale and purchase transactions grew by 16.8% compared to the first quarter.

Blagovist CEO Iryna Lukhanina said the largest number of visits to the company was recorded in April (9,565), while June ranked second (9,268).

At the same time, the share of participation of partners and intermediaries in transactions in the first half of 2013 was 8.9%, whereas in the first half of 2012 - 10.2%.

"I think anything is unlikely to change dramatically. We see the rise in prices on the portals, but if to consider due to what they are growing, it appears that this rise is due to the structure of sales but not higher housing prices. If to talk about the impact of mortgage crediting on the rise of prices, we have not achieved the level, which might affect the price. Now we are somewhere at around 4% of the total number of deals," said Lukhanina.

Park Lane CEO Halyna Melnikova, in turn, noted the increased interest in the rent of non-residential premises since the beginning of this year.

"If in 2012 premises were rented mainly for shops, then this year - for some business, in particular, for opening dental clinics, salons, restaurants," the expert said.