Overview of Russian law changes in real estate and construction for the period 2011 – early 2013 and prospects

The article represents a brief review of main current and anticipated changes in Russian legislation regarding real estate and construction for the period from 2011 till beginning of 2013, as well as an overview of main Russian case law trends with respect to real estate issues. Highlighted below are major legislation changes in respect of buying out of governmentally or municipally-owned land plots and regulation of town-planning and housing relations. Author has also considered issues regarding taxation of real estate, Moscow expansion and legal status of contracts concerning financing of construction of real estate.