As of early 2025, Thailand has emerged as the top destination for Russian investors seeking foreign real estate. According to the latest research, Russian buyers accounted for 31.2% of all requests for overseas property in the first quarter of the year, marking the highest demand for Thai real estate in the last five years. This surge reflects a significant shift in consumer behaviour since the onset of geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Thailand has topped the rankings for seven consecutive quarters, with a 41% increase in interest compared to last year. Just a year earlier, Thailand had only 5% of the requests. Thailand's rising popularity is primarily due to its perceived safety and welcoming atmosphere for foreign buyers.
Bangkok has become the most sought-after location, with transaction volumes increasing fivefold in the past year. Pattaya has also seen a notable rise in interest, with inquiries up by 48%. These trends indicate a robust recovery and growing confidence in Thailand's real estate market.
Following Thailand in popularity are the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey, though demand in these countries has declined. The UAE experienced a 6% drop in interest, while Turkey saw a 10% decrease.
Despite this, Russian buyers dominate the Turkish property market, marking 35 consecutive months of leading foreign purchases.
In a surprising development, the United States has re-entered the top ten for the first time since 2021, with 3.9% of Russian property inquiries directed there, up from less than 2% last year. This reflects a broader trend of Russian buyers diversifying their investment portfolios.
The safety of potential investment destinations also plays a crucial role in buyer decisions. Countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Oman are recognised as among the safest in the world, further boosting their appeal.
Despite recent seismic activity in neighbouring Myanmar, Thai tourism has been largely unaffected, with key tourist areas operating normally. The resilience of the Thai tourism and real estate sectors indicates that the country will likely maintain its position as a preferred destination for Russian property investors.
