What is the sale of apartments? What is the difference between an apartment and an apartment? What threatens the status of non-residential premises?

Several years ago, such special objects as apartments appeared on the real estate market. Everyone is accustomed to associating with this concept some kind of elite housing with panoramic glazing or luxury rooms in foreign hotels. In part, this was once the case, but today everything has changed dramatically, and it is not so easy to understand what the difference is between an ordinary apartment and an apartment in 2019.

What are apartments and what type of real estate are they?

In order to understand the question posed, you must first find out what apartments are and how they differ from an apartment. Turning to various sources, you can find out that this term has French or Italian roots, and is translated into Russian simply as “apartment”. Ushakov's dictionary defines an apartment as a large room or rest. However, this does not explain in any way what the legal difference is between apartments and apartments.

If you turn to Russian housing legislation, you can easily find out that residential premises mean:

• residential building or part thereof;
• apartment or part thereof;
• room.

This list is exhaustive and there are no apartments on it. Therefore, according to the law, this type of real estate cannot be classified as residential. However, such premises are used specifically for living and are equipped with all necessary amenities. To come closer to understanding the difference between an apartment and an apartment, you need to understand in which buildings these objects are located and what their functional purpose is.

If we take foreign experience, we can see that abroad property for temporary residence with hotel services is classified as apartments. This is partially true for Russia as well. For example, the order of the Ministry of Culture, which classifies objects of the tourism industry, contains the concept of apartments, which differs markedly from the definition of a hotel room. These include premises with an area of ​​at least 40 square meters, consisting of two or more rooms, equipped with furniture, bathrooms and everything necessary for temporary residence.

Sometimes such residential blocks are located in office buildings or in large business centers. They are intended for accommodation of employees sent from other cities to perform certain temporary functions. Apartments are also available for staff who do not have their own housing.

Today in large cities you can find new buildings consisting entirely of apartments, which differ from apartments in that they have greater commercial value. Wealthy people invest in the construction or purchase of such real estate for subsequent profit.

Thus, the answer to the question of what does it mean to have an apartment rather than an apartment can be formulated as follows. A room intended for temporary residence with a separate entrance, included in an apartment-type hotel complex or located in an administrative building, is usually called apartments. Unlike an apartment, it does not belong to the housing stock.

Pros and cons of apartments

Let's look at the difference between apartments and apartments in practical terms: the pros and cons of purchasing such real estate. As was established earlier, apartments do not belong to the housing stock. It is from this circumstance that the existing shortcomings of these objects arise:

• It is impossible to register with them permanently at your place of residence. True, there are no obstacles to temporary registration at the place of stay if the premises have hotel services. As in any hotel room, you can temporarily register in the apartment for up to 5 years. The absence of at least temporary registration can create problems with enrolling children in school or kindergarten, obtaining a compulsory medical insurance policy for services in medical institutions;
• Housing and communal services tariffs that are used for residential premises are not applicable to commercial real estate. In this regard, you have to pay much more for utilities than in the case of an apartment of the same area. The difference can reach up to 20% in some cities;
• tax legislation is not very friendly towards commercial real estate. Thus, the property tax rate for apartments is 0.5%, in contrast to an apartment, for which only 0.1% of the base is charged, which for commercial real estate, however, is 1.44 times less. Calculation of deductions upon sale is carried out according to the rules for non-residential premises. In this case, a deduction for the purchase is provided, as for an apartment - in the amount of 2 million rubles;
• Where apartments are even worse than apartments is that developers are not obliged to organize social and cultural infrastructure in the places where such objects are being built. For this reason, kindergartens, schools and clinics may be located at a considerable distance from the complexes, and access roads may be completely absent;
• the law does not extend the SANPIN standards provided for residential premises to apartments, which gives developers a free hand. After all, they do not need to comply with the level of illumination, noise insulation and other mandatory parameters;
• In the case of shared-equity construction of apartments, the status of shareholders is radically different from that if the house had apartments. They are simply not recognized as victims according to the parameters of the Ministry of Regional Development in the event of bankruptcy of the developer.

The list of disadvantages is quite impressive, but what is the advantage of apartments over an apartment, that the demand for them is growing every year. Everything is simple here, because the absence of the need to comply with many formalities during construction greatly reduces the cost of such real estate. At the same time, the end buyer needs to pay a much smaller amount for the apartment upon purchase, which compares favorably with purchasing an apartment. This makes it possible not only to purchase relatively cheap housing, but also to make good money by renting it out.

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Should you buy an apartment instead of an apartment?

Many people wonder what is better: an apartment or an apartment? However, this question is not entirely correct. This is about the same as comparing a therapist and a dentist. It seems like both are doctors, but their tasks are completely different. In practice, it is better to buy an apartment for those who have no other permanent housing. After all, the presence of residential premises guarantees permanent registration and, as a result, free access to the various social needs of the family.

If you already have permanent registration, then the question of whether to choose an apartment or an apartment is no longer so clear-cut. In this case, commercial real estate can be purchased for the following purposes:

• for own residence due to proximity to the place of work or study, or due to more comfortable conditions. At the same time, it is quite possible to rent out a permanent apartment;
• for renting out for commercial profit;
• for organizing hotel business.

It is the commercial component that determines the main reason why apartments are built rather than apartments, especially in Moscow.

Answers to some questions

Taking into account all of the above, we can answer the question, is a studio an apartment or an apartment? It all depends on the legal status, not on the layout. After all, a studio is a living space that does not have partitions, that is, an open layout. It can apply to both residential and commercial real estate. In the first case it is an apartment, and in the second it is an apartment.

Another pressing question is whether it is possible to transfer apartments to apartments in 2019, and what is the price of this procedure. The possibility of converting non-residential premises into residential premises is enshrined in housing legislation. It should be borne in mind that the procedure is quite complicated. The main obstacle is to ensure full compliance with sanitary standards, for example, sunlight must enter each living room of the premises for at least 2 hours a day. Therefore, apartments that are characterized by insufficient insolation cannot be transferred to the status of apartments. In addition, no encumbrances by third parties should be imposed on the property.

If it is possible to comply with all the rules, you can try to make a transfer. To do this, you will need to contact the housing department of your city with an application.. The following documents will have to be attached to it:

• registration certificate for real estate;
• title documents;
• floor plan of the building;
• redevelopment project, if it is planned to be carried out.

In addition, it is necessary to undergo approvals from various services and government agencies, and then submit the relevant certificates. All this may take more than one month, and the money spent will negate the benefits of buying an apartment instead of an apartment. In addition, the success of the event is not guaranteed. Therefore, individual transfer is not economically justified. True, there were cases when owners en masse turned to the developer with a corresponding collective request to transfer apartments to the status of residential premises even at the construction stage before putting the house into operation. At the same time, their issue was resolved positively.

Thus, apartments differ from apartments in the absence of the status of residential premises. They cost less, but it is better to purchase them if you have permanent registration in another place. After all, converting non-residential premises into residential ones is quite difficult, and often completely impossible. At the same time, buying an apartment is a very profitable investment in real estate, since the demand for rental housing is always very high.

We are not used to separating the concepts of “apartment” and “apartment”. We believe that the apartment is simply a very advanced, luxurious and modern apartment.

This is far from true. In the language of realtors around the world, apartments are not really housing at all. More precisely, the housing is temporary, comfortable, but standard-uncomfortable, close to a hotel room.

So, what is the difference between an apartment and an apartment?

Part one. Russia

Difference No. 1. In the apartments they do not register

From a legal point of view, this is not housing at all. Documents for the purchase of apartments do not give the right to registration at the place of residence. Even with temporary registration, not everything is simple: it is only possible if the building in which the apartments are located is a hotel or aparthotel.

Difference #2: Social Infrastructure

no one is obliging to build schools, kindergartens, clinics and other social facilities in the vicinity, without which the neighborhood really remains purely a residential area.

Realtors reassure potential clients by saying that apartment complexes usually appear in areas where the infrastructure has long been established. Perhaps, while the pace and volume of development is insignificant, the city is able to dissolve “extra” housing within itself. But Moscow, for example, will soon be unable to do this. In the multifunctional residential complex “Vodny” there are now more than five thousand apartments for sale, in the apart-complex “Tsaritsino-2” - almost a thousand...

Difference No. 3. Apartments are inferior in price to apartments

Here is the first positive difference: apartments are cheaper. It is precisely because of the developer’s lack of social obligations. However, the metropolitan administration is preparing to adopt building standards that will force companies constructing apartments to take care of social services.

Obviously, the introduction of such standards will eliminate the difference in price. For now, the most exhaustively clear answer to the question of how apartments differ from apartments sounds like this: cost. Prices per square meter for comfort class vary by about 10 percent, business class - by 15.

Within “old Moscow”, comfort-class apartments are valued at an average of 123.5 thousand rubles per square meter, similar apartments at 146 thousand. The leaders in terms of minimum price are apartments in “Tsaritsino-2” (113.8 thousand rubles per 1 square meter), in “Flotilla” (125.7 thousand rubles) and in “Vodny” (129.4 thousand).

A square meter of apartments in St. Petersburg () costs approximately 135 thousand rubles.

Difference No. 4. But the rent in apartments is higher

It is believed that prices for housing and communal services in apartments are 18 percent more expensive than in apartments (VAT rate). In fact, tariffs for cold water and sewerage are higher than usual by 9.3 percent, for hot water - by 21.5 percent, and for heating - by 22 percent.

Moreover, in the case when the engineering communications of the apartments are connected to city networks not directly, but through intermediaries, the payment becomes even higher.

Difference #5: And no subsidies!

At the same time, apartment owners who have a monthly income below the standard are deprived of the right to use subsidies for utility bills. Apartment owners are simply not mentioned in the Housing Code! Another disadvantage is the usual one, but with apartments this is usually impossible. Banks do not accredit such objects. You can only count on.

But for the next two to three decades this problem is not relevant, given the lower prices for apartments compared to apartments.

Difference No. 6. The tax rate on apartments may increase

In the near future, legislators promise to increase the marginal rate on non-residential real estate to 0.5 percent of the cadastral value (versus 0.1 percent for residential premises).

However, even if such a change in federal legislation is adopted, apartment owners will not necessarily pay five times more. Regional authorities have the right to reduce the maximum tax rate.

Difference No. 7. Difficulties with the common property of a house with apartments

The Housing Code obliges apartment owners in a high-rise building to share basements, attics and other technical rooms of the building with their neighbors in equal shares. The document says nothing about apartments.

In practice, this results in big financial problems for owners. Since the buyer purchases only square meters of the apartments themselves, the development company remains the owner of the rest of the building and utility networks. It would not be much of a stretch to assume that the company will certainly impose the services of its management company on homeowners, and the latter will try to inflate the tariffs for public utilities as much as possible.

Difference No. 8. Apartment owners cannot create an HOA

Since the building is not legally classified as residential, those living in it are deprived of the right to create homeowners' associations.

However, other forms of self-government organization are also possible! Let's say you can conclude a simple partnership agreement. Or establish a non-profit partnership.

Difference No. 9. In apartments you do not need to seek permission to redevelop the premises

The sword, as you know, has two edges. The fact that apartments are not officially recognized as housing also has a positive side for their owners. It is only residential premises that are allowed to be redesigned after a long and persistent journey through the authorities. Apartment owners can do whatever they want with their space. Within the limits of the Town Planning Code, of course, which prescribes making only those changes that will not affect the structural characteristics of the building and will not threaten its safety.

Part two. Europe

So far we have been talking about the realities of our country. What about abroad? For example, what is the difference between an apartment and an apartment in Spain, where the eyes and money of Russian investors are increasingly directing their attention lately?

Spain: the main difference is the presence of a fenced local area

There are four main types of real estate in Spain:

• Studios that have recently gained popularity in Russia. These are small budget apartments without partitions, where the only room is combined with the kitchen (only the bathroom has separate walls). Russians buy “studios” mainly for vacation holidays, and the rest of the time they rent them out to tourists. The cost ranges from 20 to 60 thousand euros; You can rent from 150 euros per week.
• An atiko, or penthouse, is an apartment on the top floor of a building, usually with a rooftop solarium and sea views. Also more of a resort option, but much more expensive - it costs 200 thousand euros or more.
• Apartments. They are not fundamentally different from ours. Much more modest and cheaper than penthouses. Even in resort areas you can buy for 50 - 60 thousand euros.
• Finally, the apartments. The main difference with apartments is that the residential complex has its own fenced area with a green area common to all residents of the house (that is, lawns, lawns, trees), a children's and/or sports ground, parking, a recreation area and a swimming pool.

Payment of utilities for apartments is slightly higher than for an apartment. But the amount for maintaining a collective territory is not so high - approximately 200 - 700 euros (not per month, but per year!). For comparison: fixed monthly utility costs vary, depending on many factors, from 60 to 120 euros.

You can rent apartments near the sea coast starting from 250 euros per week. Purchase prices are comparable to the cost of an apartment and also depend on many quality characteristics of the property. For example, an apartment right by the sea can cost almost a third more than similar apartments a ten-minute walk from the beach.

In general, during the crisis, prices for residential real estate in Spain decreased by 25–40 percent. In addition, mortgages are much more accessible than in Russia. To purchase, in addition to money, a foreign passport is enough. The transaction is formalized by a notary, after which the acquirer is immediately declared the owner. And in September 2013, the country adopted a law according to which any foreign citizen, having purchased real estate for an amount of at least 500 thousand euros, has the right to obtain a residence permit.

However, the new law only simplifies this procedure somewhat. However, you can still register it after purchasing even an inexpensive studio or simply renting any real estate. True, there is a requirement for the permanent income of an applicant for a residence permit.

Bulgaria: the situation is similar

Another European “resort” country that our compatriots are actively exploring for the purchase of residential property. What is the difference between an apartment and an apartment in Bulgaria?

Bulgarian apartments are a minimum of a two-room apartment with all amenities, compact furniture and built-in appliances. The apartments, fully prepared for the entry of the tenant or owner, are located in a residential hotel complex (apart-hotel), usually built closer to the sea, and offer the following services:

• specialized security,
• reception,
• parking,
• spa center and beauty salon,
• gym, fitness center, swimming pool,
• children's playground and recreation areas.

Among the apartments offered for sale you can find modest studios, large premises with two or even three bedrooms, as well as apartments on several levels.

In addition to the range of services that bring apartments closer to a hotel, they differ from apartments in the presence of furniture and equipment. All together leads to a higher price for apartments: an apartment in Bulgaria can be purchased for 500 euros per square meter; the cost of the type of housing in question is 800–1500 euros per square meter.

As you can see, apartments in Russia and in European resorts, as they say, are two big differences. And in terms of comfort, and in terms of prices, and in terms of the cost ratio relative to apartments. Moscow has “outdone” both Bulgaria and even Spain. I wish I could reach the latest level of living standards!..

GdeEtoDom.RU turned to a professional to destroy existing myths in the apartment market. Read on to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of apartments and whether they are worth buying.

Myths about apartments

From the point of view of professional realtor Natalya Shirokova, who has been working in the real estate market for more than 9 years, the main difference between apartments and apartments is as follows. - this is a non-residential premises in which there is a room or rooms equipped for living, a kitchen, a bathroom and other amenities. The expert explained the advantages and disadvantages of apartments using specific examples.

For comparison, two pairs of apartments were selected. The first pair is located next door to an ordinary residential building on Yaroslavskoye Shosse and a multifunctional residential complex with apartments next to the Losiny Ostrov park, the second pair is located next to the Vodny Stadium metro station, in which the developer offers both apartments and apartments.

Myth 1. Apartments are cheaper than apartments

Let's compare the cost of apartments in the Vodny mixed-use complex and on Yaroslavskoye Shosse.

Indeed, the apartments are not just cheaper, but significantly cheaper than similar apartments. in the neighboring house the apartments are 36% more expensive. In the Vodny complex the difference was 20%.

If you make a selection of apartments for 8 million rubles. in the area of ​​apartments on Yaroslavskoye Highway, we see that for the same money you can buy:

• 2-room apartment

• and even a 3-room apartment

Thus, the myth is confirmed.

Myth 2. High taxes on apartments

Indeed, the tax itself is 5 times higher. For residential premises - 0.1%, but for apartments - already 0.5% of the tax base. It should be borne in mind that taxes are calculated based on the cadastral value of real estate, which is significantly lower for apartments.

The calculation using the example of apartments and apartments on Yaroslavskoye Highway looks like this:

In addition, the tax base for an apartment can be reduced due to the applicable tax deduction in the amount of 20 square meters. m of total apartment area for each apartment owner. However, the tax deduction does not apply to apartments.

Thus, tax payments for apartments are higher by at least 14,662 rubles/year.

The difference between the apartment being compared and the apartment upon purchase is RUB 2,900,000. Dividing this difference (2,900,000) by the “overpayment” in taxes of 14,662.67 rubles/year, we get 197 years.

The buyer who purchased the apartments paid 2.9 million rubles for them. less than for an apartment in a neighboring building, and paying taxes of 14,662.67 rubles. more will save for 197 years.

Myth confirmed: the tax rate is higher, but the savings are greater.

Myth 3. There is no tax deduction available for apartments upon purchase.

Tax deduction is provided:

• to, apartments, rooms, or share(s) in them in a finished house, or rights to an apartment, room or share(s) in them in a house under construction;
• for the purchase of construction and finishing materials;
• for work related to the finishing of an apartment, room or share(s) in them, as well as the costs of developing design and estimate documentation for finishing work;
• for construction work (completion of a residential building or share(s) in it, unfinished construction) and finishing;
• for connection to electricity, water and gas supply and sewerage networks or the creation of autonomous sources of electricity, water and gas supply and sewerage.

There is no tax deduction available for apartments.

Here one more point needs to be taken into account: only citizens of the Russian Federation who are personal income tax payers can take advantage of the tax deduction. For example, individual entrepreneurs working under a simplified taxation system will not be able to use it even in the case of...

Myth confirmed.

Myth 3. Apartments are built on industrial lands “impregnated” with heavy metals

All apartments can be divided into:

• Apartments in reconstructed buildings of factories and manufactories. For example, “The Loft Club” at 17 Dukhovsky Lane was erected on the site of the Tannery Factory of 1869, all buildings were built anew. Loft quarter "Danilovskaya Manufactory" - reconstruction of the building of a former textile factory that operated in the 19th century, where some buildings had bleaching workshops. How dangerous such lands are is up to the buyer to decide.
• Apartments in new buildings - MIBC "Moscow City", MFC "Vodny", etc. New complexes are being built next to residential buildings, on the same lands.

The myth has been destroyed; not all apartments are located on industrial land.

Myth 4. It is impossible to register in the apartments

Temporary registration is possible for apartments if the building in which they are located has the status of a hotel or apart-hotel, i.e. the certificate of ownership must contain the entry “non-residential hotel-type premises” or “hotel-type apartments”. This opportunity is provided, for example, by the Moscow City International Business Center and the Vodny Multifunctional Complex.

With temporary registration, you can enroll your child in a kindergarten or school, or be assigned to a clinic.

The myth is dispelled.

Myth 5. Large utility bills

Many people think that the difference in utility bills between an apartment and an apartment is 2-3 times greater.

Utility bills for apartments compared to apartments are indeed 20% higher. For example, for a 2-room apartment on Yaroslavskoye Shosse, 124, the owner pays 4,500-5,000 rubles per month, and for an apartment in a neighboring house - 6,000 rubles.

There is a difference, but it is insignificant.

Myth confirmed.

Myth 6. Banks do not provide mortgages for apartments

Indeed, banks have very different approaches to apartment lending. Sberbank and Rosselkhozbank are currently not lending to apartments, but VTB 24, Bank of Moscow and Delta Credit offer to issue a loan for apartments on the same terms as apartments (12-14%).

The myth is dispelled.

Myth 7. Developers do not build social infrastructure next to the apartment complex

We are talking about schools, kindergartens and clinics. Indeed, the developer is not obliged to build social infrastructure facilities, and, as a rule, does not do this. But many developers, given the high competition in the real estate market, are working on the concepts of their projects and taking into account the needs of future buyers. For example, in (Beregovoy Proezd, building 5) it is planned to build a clinic and a kindergarten. In addition, apartment complexes are often built in areas with established infrastructure that can be used.

The myth has not been confirmed.

Based on the results of the analysis, the specialist advises choosing apartments in the following cases:

• those who already have an apartment in which they can register;
• entrepreneurs who can use the apartment as an office;
• for those who plan;
• young and active people who buy a small area “for starters”, i.e. with the prospect of selling it in 3-5 years and purchasing a larger area.

The share of apartments in the primary market of Moscow is still growing: if in 2012 it accounted for only 14% of the total supply, then in the third quarter of 2016 it reached 24.5%. At the same time, the minimum budget for purchasing apartments within the old Moscow during the same period decreased from 4.6 million rubles to an unprecedented 2.3 million rubles for the capital, which spurred the interest of clients in the mass segment and radically changed the buyer’s image. However, there is still a lot of speculation surrounding the apartments, exaggerating their disadvantages. Experts from the Metrium Group company conducted a detailed analysis of all the differences between apartments and apartments and refuted most of the stereotypes regarding this type of housing from the buyer’s point of view.

During a recession, most home buyers prioritize their purchasing budget. The reduction in supply prices in all market segments has increased the attractiveness primarily of apartments, which have always been cheaper than apartments. The price benefit of purchasing apartments is due to a number of their differences from apartments.

“The differences between apartments and apartments can be divided into three groups,” says Maria Litinetskaya, managing partner of Metrium Group. - The first of them is the legal differences that are associated with the non-residential legal status of the apartments. The second is economic, namely the difference in the market and cadastral value of such objects, as well as the features of paying for utilities and taxes. Finally, the third group - technical - combines the differences in requirements for the design and construction of apartments. A superficial comparison may seem to suggest that most of the differences are not in favor of the apartments, but a detailed analysis shows the opposite.”

1. Legal differences

1.1 Legal status

From the point of view of the Housing Code, an apartment is a residential, isolated premises, which is real estate and is suitable for permanent residence of citizens (meets established sanitary and technical rules and regulations, and other legal requirements). In addition to apartments, the legislation also includes a residential building (part of a residential building) and a room as residential premises.

Apartments are classified as non-residential premises, that is, they are premises for temporary accommodation of citizens, not intended for permanent residence. The concept of “apartment” is mentioned only in the classification of hotel rooms given by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. According to this typology, an apartment is a room with an area of ​​at least 40 square meters. m., consisting of two or more rooms (living room, dining room, bedroom) with a kitchenette. However, in practice, developers are not guided by this definition, even if the apartment complex under construction has a hotel purpose.

1.2 Registration

Permanent registration can only be obtained in residential premises - apartment, room, house. Permanent registration in Moscow gives the following rights:

1. Increase in pension. In Moscow, pensioners are entitled to a regional social benefit, but it is given only to those who have lived in Moscow for at least 10 years.

2. Travel benefits for pensioners and minors on public transport, as well as the use of a landline telephone.

3. Placement of the child in kindergarten, school and other educational institutions at the place of registration.

4. Subsidizing utility bills.

Since the apartments are classified as non-residential premises, permanent registration at the place of residence cannot be obtained in them. However, if the apartment complex has hotel status, then the owner of the apartment can obtain temporary registration for 5 years. Temporary registration gives practically the same rights as the owner of an apartment with permanent registration. However, when enrolling a child in a school not assigned to a place of residence, his application is considered after applications from residents of houses assigned to the school and having permanent registration. Otherwise, there are no fundamental differences between temporary and permanent registrations.

If registration is impossible, the apartment owner loses little. These are increases and benefits that still apply only to vulnerable segments of the population, as well as the right to vote in elections.

1.3 Rights of owners to common property

Owners of apartments in a residential building own common property on the basis of shared ownership along with other residents. That is, all common areas, the roof and the yard are the property of the apartment owners. Accordingly, residents can jointly decide how to manage common spaces. For example, they can prevent unwanted use of basements, roofs, attics and other spaces.

Apartment owners do not have the right of shared ownership of common property in the apartment complex (staircases, stairs, halls, elevators, elevator and other shafts, corridors, technical floors, attics, basements in which there are utilities, other services serving more than one premises in a given building equipment (technical basements), roofs, enclosing load-bearing and non-load-bearing structures of this building, mechanical, electrical, sanitary and other equipment). For example, if the owners of the apartments decide to make a joint fenced vestibule on the landing, they will have to buy or rent this area from the owner, who is usually the seller of the apartment or the management company. However, you need to understand that the management company lives off payments from apartment owners and it is not beneficial for it to spoil relations with them.

1.4 Foreclosure against owners

When a homeowner becomes a debtor and the court orders the confiscation of his property in favor of creditors, the bailiffs cannot evict him from the apartment if it is his only place of residence. The exception is housing purchased with a mortgage.

Since the apartments are non-residential premises, their owner may be evicted in the event of foreclosure. However, it is worth noting that the buyer of an apartment with a mortgage may also lose their home.

2. Economic differences

2.1 Prices

Condos are more expensive than apartments because the developer of a residential apartment building initially incurs higher costs associated with obtaining all the necessary permits.

	Apartments	Apartments
Minimum purchase budget, million rubles.
Average cost per sq. m.

The difference in the cost of apartments and apartments reaches 30% on average, depending on the project. This is due to the fact that the developer incurs lower construction costs and can afford to offer the property at reduced prices without sacrificing profits.

2.2 Taxes

Property tax

Property tax for apartment owners is calculated based on the cadastral value. The area of ​​the apartment is multiplied by the cadastral value per square meter, and then by the tax rate. The property tax rate for residential premises is set in each region by decision of local authorities. In Moscow it is 0.1%.

Apartment owners must also pay property tax, which, as in the case of apartments, is calculated based on the cadastral value of the property. However, there are two fundamental differences in the taxation of apartments. Firstly, the cadastral value of such projects is approximately 1.5 times lower, and secondly, the property tax rate for them is higher. The rate ranges from 0.5% to 2%. In October 2016, the Moscow City Duma adopted changes to the Law on the property tax of individuals in Moscow. Now the minimum rate for all types of this type of real estate is set at 0.5%, but only for apartments up to 300 square meters. m. and with a cadastral value not exceeding 300 million rubles. For properties that exceed the established size and price limits, the property tax rate remains at 2%.

Tax deductions and benefits

When calculating property tax on an apartment, a tax-free deduction is provided for the value of one residential property: 10 sq. m - for rooms, 20 sq. m - for an apartment and 50 sq. m - for home. That is, the tax base will be equal to the area of ​​the apartment minus 20 square meters. m. In addition, the law provides benefits for 15 categories of citizens who are exempt from taxation.

Also, when buying and selling an apartment, the owner has the right to receive a tax deduction for previously paid personal income tax (NDFL). In the case of purchasing a home, the maximum return amount reaches 2-3 million rubles, and when selling - 1 million rubles.

Tax deductions and benefits do not apply to apartments as to non-residential premises. That is, the apartment owner not only cannot reduce the tax base (by 20 sq. m.), but also return part of the personal income tax paid when purchasing apartments.

Land tax

Until 2015, apartment owners were required to pay a tax on land owned jointly by residents of an apartment building. However, this payment was included in the property tax. Since 2015, these fees have been divided into two separate taxes: apartment and land.

Apartment owners, like owners of other premises in any building, also have the right to a share of the land on which the building is located. In this regard, they are required to pay land tax. Land tax is paid based on the cadastral value of the plot corresponding to the area of ​​the apartment. In Moscow, this rate is 1.5%.

2.3 Utilities

The amount of payment for utility services is calculated according to the tariffs for consumers established by the supplier of water, electricity and heat. The level of these tariffs is determined by the authorities in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on price regulation.

As a rule, utility bills for apartments have a higher coefficient compared to apartment rates. Tariffs for water supply are higher by 12%, for sewerage - 8%, for heat - 25%, for electricity - 36% (based on the average tariff of 2.5 rubles/kWh). The exact cost of utilities depends on the tariffs established for non-residential premises in accordance with agreements concluded by the management company and the utility supplier.

3. Technical differences

3.1 Building codes

The construction of residential buildings is carried out in strict accordance with construction and sanitary standards and regulations (lighting, sound insulation, insolation, etc.).

The technical requirements for the construction of apartments are lower than the requirements for the construction of residential buildings. In particular, apartments are not subject to insolation requirements, and the standards for ventilation, sound insulation, and fire protection are lower than those required for residential premises.

3.2 Social infrastructure

The developer is obliged to build social infrastructure facilities (kindergartens, schools, clinics, etc.) in the residential development zone in proportion to the number of new residents of the area. The construction of an apartment complex does not oblige the developer to build social infrastructure facilities for its residents.

3.3 Access roads

The responsibility of the developer of residential areas includes improvement of the surrounding areas, as well as the construction of access roads to the residential complex. The apartment developer is not required to build access roads.

Summary

“Thus, the most important economic differences between apartments that really directly affect the buyer’s “wallet” are the differences in tax and utility payments,” sums up Maria Litinetskaya. - However, basic calculations prove that the difference in the cost of apartments and apartments covers the increased costs of utilities and taxes for decades to come. You also need to take into account transportation costs, because today the most budgetary housing offers within the Moscow Ring Road relate only to apartments. Apartments at a similar price will be located outside the Moscow Ring Road, in the near Moscow region.

Legal differences are also not that important to the average client. Buyers of apartments and apartments are equally protected by 214-FZ from double sales and missed delivery deadlines. In the event of a rupture of the DDU, they have the same rights to receive compensation and penalties, and in the event of bankruptcy of the developer, they are included in the third line of creditors for the return of invested funds.

As for the technical differences, the formal absence of an obligation on the part of the apartment developer to comply with building codes, build social facilities, and lay access roads is, in practice, unprofitable for the developers themselves. In conditions of fierce competition for buyers, most apartments are not inferior to ordinary apartment buildings either in the quality of construction or in the availability of infrastructure.

As a result, if a person manages to find the optimal combination of three characteristics - price, location, interesting concept - in any apartment complex, then in essence it will not be so important for him that this is formally non-residential premises. The main thing for the buyer is to improve specific living conditions, namely, move to a new house or a more convenient location.”

Recently, completely new concepts have appeared in real estate, such as apartments and studio apartments. Let's talk about what they mean and what, in fact, is the difference between apartments and an apartment or studio. When wanting to purchase real estate, people ask a lot of questions about this. Let's look at the nuances.

What are apartments, the difference from apartments

For some reason, apartments are associated with luxury housing; today there are a lot of them on sale. These are mainly new buildings. However, when wanting to purchase such real estate, buyers ask many legitimate questions.

And the very first of them: “What are apartments?” The difference from apartments already begins with the fact that these are non-residential premises. Yes Yes. Precisely non-residential ones.

And the point is not even in the size and layout of such real estate, but in the fact that such premises are built for administrative purposes. Even the certificate of ownership of such an object will indicate that the premises are non-residential. Sometimes apartments are sold in Moscow, in the documents for which a “hotel type” entry is made.

So, apartments are primarily commercial real estate. It is for this reason that they are placed in large centers along with shops, fitness centers, and offices. Nevertheless, the real purpose of such premises is still living.

The problem is that Russian legislation does not officially define the very concept of apartments, and therefore developers, using existing laws, designate them as housing with an area of ​​more than forty square meters, having more than one room, a kitchen and a toilet with a bathroom.

Non-residential premises

If we talk about the difference between an apartment and an apartment, then first of all, because it is a non-residential premises. From a legal point of view, they are usually commercial funds in which temporary residence is possible. This, as they say, is both an advantage and a disadvantage of apartments compared to ordinary apartments.

What are the advantages of the apartments?

We figured out the question of what apartments are. The difference from apartments starts with the price. Since they are considered luxury housing, they are correspondingly more expensive. When conducting a comparative analysis, realtors say that apartments sometimes cost 20-25% more than ordinary real estate of the same area in the same area.

Free, unconstrained layout

We have already mentioned that the legal difference between apartments and apartments is that they are commercial assets. This means that since this is a non-residential premises, its refurbishment is not consistent with housing legislation. Usually there is a completely free layout, you can embody any fantasies of the owners, you just can’t touch the load-bearing walls.

Elite infrastructure is another difference between apartments and apartments. Let's start with the fact that they are designed for wealthy buyers who are very demanding about their surroundings. As a rule, on the ground floors of such complexes there are fitness centers, spa clubs, restaurants, bars, expensive shops, and banks. By purchasing such housing, people receive a high level of service without leaving such a complex.

Convenient location is the main difference between an apartment and an apartment in Moscow. As you know, the distances in the capital are enormous, and therefore, for convenience, housing is purchased five minutes from work. This is due to saving valuable travel time and traffic jams. Such urban complexes are located in very populated areas or on the upper floors of large business centers.

As for suburban buildings, they have their advantages. For example, residents can become members of an elite yacht club.

Living in the same territory by people of approximately the same level

City high-rise buildings are inhabited by people belonging to completely different strata. The level of wealth of people here is very different. Rich people who want to move only within their own circle get this opportunity by purchasing apartments.

The difference from apartments is also that such housing can be resold or rented out at a profit. Developers claim that real estate of this level has not become cheaper even during the crisis.

Do the apartments have any disadvantages?

Yes, there are indeed a number of disadvantages.

When talking about the difference between an apartment and an apartment, it is necessary to list these negative points:

We have looked at the main differences between an apartment and an apartment.

In general, the latter are a very profitable investment. For most of their owners, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

The Moscow government plans to regulate the apartment market. They want to equate luxury housing with apartments, and this will lead to higher prices.

What is an apartment?

We talked in detail about what apartments are; the difference from apartments is quite significant. These differences can be perceived as both advantages and disadvantages. How is the concept of an apartment defined by law? This is real estate that is completely ready for people to live in. It must meet certain comfort requirements. There are mandatory conditions that it must meet:

1. Availability of electricity and heating.
2. Presence of water supply and sewerage.
3. Own entrance to the room and mandatory division of the entire area into separate rooms.

The class of an apartment is determined by its area, number of rooms, number of floors in the building, and interior renovations. The price is also affected by location and distance from infrastructure.

What is a studio apartment?

When considering the topic of real estate, you definitely need to mention such a type of housing as a studio apartment. They have also become popular recently. What is it? What is the difference between an apartment and a studio apartment?

This type of housing has a unique layout. Essentially, this is the same one-room apartment, but it does not have a division into a kitchen, bedroom and guest room. Absolutely the entire area is a single space, only the bathroom is isolated. In such an apartment there are no corridors at all.

Studios are good for young families who do not yet have children. The disadvantage of such real estate is that it is impossible to retire if you want to be alone. Although you can always do redevelopment and change something. But there is one big plus. This is, of course, the price. It is thirty percent lower than the cost of a full-fledged apartment.

The studios are built with an open plan. It has become fashionable to turn an ordinary home into a studio by making interior remodeling.

The main difference between this type of real estate is that, unlike apartments, this is a living space with all the ensuing consequences.

What are the different studio layouts?

The stereotype that a studio is a cramped space for two is not at all true. The dimensions of the area can be completely different. These can be spacious rooms, or even two-level ones. The layout is provided - square, rectangular, round, trapezoidal.

The history of the studios

The first studio apartments appeared in the United States more than a hundred years ago. This was a new word in architecture. Due to the fact that there were no internal load-bearing walls, it became possible to deviate from the standard layout. The first to accept this housing option were representatives of bohemians and people of art. Given their lifestyle, this option was optimal. However, time passed, and in America the studio became cheap housing for students.

Disadvantages of studio apartments

In our country, for some reason, a studio is considered something elite. In fact, this is a deep misconception. Let's start with the fact that such housing is convenient for only one or two people.

The advantages include good lighting with a minimum area. I'm glad to see the possibility of redevelopment. The area increases due to the absence of corridors. In the West, studios are popular because they are cheap. In our country, the refurbishment of premises is carried out according to an individual project, which is why it becomes very expensive. It's just not worth it. But the end result, at great expense, is housing that is not entirely convenient for the average family.

The studio option is used in large country houses to decorate the first floor, where the living room, kitchen and hall are made into a single space with zoning elements. The remaining floors have a regular layout, with separate rooms, corridors, etc. This option is certainly acceptable. However, not everyone can afford it.

Instead of an afterword

Currently, there are many types of housing on the real estate market. But, having decided to purchase something, you need to clearly understand what you want to get, and also take into account the legal nuances. We looked in detail at the difference between an apartment and an apartment, and what a studio is. When offering you housing options, realtors do not always tell you the whole truth. Therefore, you need to understand the nuances of the proposed housing yourself. Remember that when you decide to purchase an apartment, you will end up with non-residential premises. And do not believe that they will promise you a possible transfer to housing stock. There are very few such cases in practice. And developers don’t need such extra trouble. If you are not interested in the nuances of registration, then this is your type of housing. Well, the simplest option would be to purchase either a studio or an apartment. It's up to you to decide.