Moscow outlaws construction of tiny apartments

A ban on microapartments measuring under 28 square meters has come into force in Moscow
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All newly built housing must now measure more than 28 square meters

The city of Moscow has banned the construction of microapartments, according to a decree published in a centralized legislation database on Friday. The ban follows the recent announcement of social development goals by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The decree, which was signed by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin and came into force on Thursday, sets a minimum size limit of 28 square meters for apartments, excluding balconies, terraces, and cold storage rooms. The restrictions were introduced “in order to ensure favorable living conditions… in apartment blocks.”

As part of his social policy aimed at supporting families, Putin instructed the government in May to improve living conditions in the country. The aim is to have sufficient housing for cities and to have a minimum living space of 33 square meters by 2030, and 38 by 2036.

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Real estate experts say microapartments have been popular in Moscow in recent years, especially among young adults.

Apartments smaller than 28 square meters currently make up 18% of the total amount of housing for sale in the capital, business daily RBK reported, citing industry experts.

Plans to outlaw tiny apartments were first reported shortly after the presidential announcement. This drove up prices for properties measuring under 28 square meters by up to 60%, RBK said on Friday.

READ MORE: Children and family are key priorities for Russia – Putin

Microapartments have been a growing trend in other capitals, such as London. According to British government standards, the minimum floor area for any new home should be 37 square meters. However, apartments as small as 19 square meters are allowed to be built. The average size of a purpose-built student apartment in London is just over 13 square meters.