Expert Opines: Tomsk KRT Projects Should Boost Local Housing Prices
Revised Article:
Tomsk, May 10 - RIA Tomsk. Development projects for designated territories (KRT) aren't just about developing areas chosen by investors but also about improving nearby neighborhoods, where living standards and housing prices should also rise, thinks Dmitriy Hlopcov, director of Tomsk real estate appraisal bureau "TOKKO."
News broke that Tomsk region's KRT law was passed in late 2021. It covers areas with dilapidated buildings and vacant lots. Investors must draft and get approved a construction plan, which should include buildings of a specific height, social facilities, and engineering infrastructure. As of April 2025, 11 KRT projects were signed in the region.
"There may be more KRT plots available. However, the risk of them becoming ordinary residential developments without considering the city's overall development is real," Hlopcov says. "So, it's crucial not to view KRT narrowly, only as the development of a specific piece of land. We must take the surrounding area into account. Will people living nearby benefit from infrastructure improvements? Will housing prices increase?"
Hlopcov believes if the area around the proposed KRT plot is well-developed, say, with adequate social infrastructure like kindergartens and schools, such amenities can be excluded from the KRT project. On the contrary, the investor should aim to build as many social facilities as possible and reduce residential real estate.
Hlopcov also mentioned that two more KRT projects are slated for development in Tomsk: on Waterfront and Aerodrome.
Previously reported, Tomsk region made it onto the list of regions in Russia with a surplus of residential property offerings in March 2025. The new housing stock makes up 68% of the unsold residential property. The price of a "square" in Tomsk's new construction was 128,4 thousand rubles in early 2025, while in the secondary market it was 124,6 thousand rubles. Prices almost matched. Experts attribute this to mortgage becoming inaccessible not only for secondary but also for new housing.
"Considering the approved KRT projects in Tomsk, it's important for investors to consider not only the financial aspects of building real-estate, but also the impact on the surrounding areas, such as rising living standards and housing prices."
"Moreover, when choosing locations for the upcoming KRT projects at Waterfront and Aerodrome, it's crucial to prioritize investment in social facilities like kindergartens and schools, as these can significantly boost the overall value of the real-estate and living conditions in these areas."
