Industry analysis of construction and finishing materials and consumer demand in the market was discussed at the DIY Forum

Daniil Novitsky, CEO of the Investment and Analytical Agency PKR and the Digital Platform "Investment Projects," spoke about investment activity in Russia at various stages of project implementation.

• Planning (17.4 trillion, 8%)
• Pre-project developments (46.9 trillion, 23%)
• Design (25.5 trillion, 12%)
• Preparation for construction (10.0 trillion, 5%)
• Construction (57.9 trillion, 28%)
• Modernization (3.6 trillion
• Suspended (44.5 trillion, 22%)

The expert highlighted the risk of an increase in the share of suspended projects due to projects halted at earlier stages of implementation (an increase of +2% compared to the previous year).

Additionally, as noted by Daniil Novitsky, there is a significant issue with investment activity in Russia, which is at a critically low level. This is due to several negative factors:

• High key interest rate of the Central Bank of Russia;
• Most projects are frozen or bear high interest expenses, losing their commercial efficiency;
• The refusal of EU countries and others to supply technological equipment to Russia, the impossibility of importing spare parts from EU countries, difficulties with payments to China, lengthening and rising costs of equipment supply logistics chains, and the increase in construction and installation costs.
• A significant part of the preferential financing programs is tied to the key interest rate of the Central Bank of Russia.

"What else can we note? Suspended projects in Russia: in 2024 compared to 2022, there is a 4.4-fold increase. This is the number of projects in Russia that are being put on hold. Also, fewer new projects have started in 2024. Investments in new projects have also significantly decreased – 1.7 times less than in 2022. When we specifically talk about the construction industry, it can be highlighted that projects at an active stage in the construction materials industry have decreased by 17%. Additionally, there has been a 71% increase in the suspension of projects in the construction materials industry," commented Daniil Novitsky.

The industry analysis was also shared by Irina Gildebrandt, Director of Strategic Projects at the NAFI Analytical Center. The expert highlighted various consumer trends in the renovation sector, some of which are:

• Increased readiness for DIY renovations
• Reduction of living spaces and micro-apartments
• Trend towards partial renovations
• Digitalization and phygitalization

"The development of the DIY culture in Russia continues – 87% of Russians are involved in updating interiors, decorating their homes, and choosing decor, while 26% take on complex projects, such as making furniture and decor themselves," emphasized Irina Gildebrandt.

It was noted that durability has become the top priority when choosing products. 62% of Russians have observed the rise in prices of building materials and aim for maximum cost efficiency.

76% of Russians made purchases in hardware stores or hypermarkets over the past year. Offline shopping remains a priority for buyers.

Additionally, 9 out of 10 Russians consider their housing to be in need of renovation. 72% want to improve their living conditions, but are willing to spend an average of 205,000 rubles on this, according to surveys.