Kickin' it Kazakhstan-style: Apartment preferences and trends in Almaty and Astana
In Kazakhstan, the decision on housing is influenced by both scenic panoramas and square footage considerations.
In the bustling heart of Kazakhstan, the cities of Almaty and Astana are hotspots for real estate, and the Krisha.kz portal sheds some light on what buyers are seeking and where they're willing to splurge. According to Liter.kz, here's a run-down on what apartment hunters in these cities are all about.
Location, location, location
Location is the name of the game in both Almaty and Astana, with convenience being key. Proximity to work and education, healthcare and leisure facilities, and a smog-free environment are top priorities for residents in Almaty. In the capital city of Astana, high floors may not be a deal-breaker, as long as the building is new, has an elevator, and is well-maintained.
Almaty's apartment wishlist
A recent analysis of search queries from October 2024 to March 2025 revealed some interesting trends among Almaty apartment buyers. Preferred square footage for a comfortable living space typically falls between 41-68 sq.m., often for a two-bedroom apartment. The most sought-after district is Bostandyk, with Auеzoвский snapping at its heels. The budget range for secondary market properties hovers around 25-47 million tenge, while new builds come in at 25-35 million tenge. However, rising property prices mean that finding an apartment within these limits is getting tougher.
Making compromises
With spirits high but budgets low, buyers are learning to make concessions. They may opt for a less convenient district for a larger apartment, choose an unfinished apartment for a lower price, or accept an older building if it's move-in ready. Such situations are increasingly common, particularly in the secondary market, where negotiation and compromise are becoming a way of life.
On the national front
Kazakhstan's real estate market is showing some unusual trends. For the same amount of money, you can now buy 2.5 times less square footage than 20 years ago. The number of deals is also on the decline, with the market returning to around 370-400 thousand deals per year. Mortgage remains the primary tool for home purchases, while programs tend to support new buildings rather than secondary housing. Moreover, people are increasingly stashing their cash in Otbas Bank, even transferring their pension contributions.
The future ahead
The primary selection filters – location, budget, number of rooms – are expected to remain relevant in the future. As housing affordability decreases, the number of compromise deals is set to increase. Prices in the typical segment without unique features will be adjusted, especially if the property isn't selling quickly.
Global trends, local flavor
Apart from the aforementioned insights, certain global trends are worth mentioning. In-unit laundry and air conditioning are globally prioritized, with Almaty's warmer summers likely to increase A/C demand. Modern amenities like secure parking and high-speed internet are critical, particularly for expats and professionals. Central districts and areas near business hubs tend to be popular among Almaty's workforce, while proximity to government buildings, Nazarbayev University, or the Expo area may drive demand in Astana. Overall, renters may prioritize functional amenities over luxury finishes and smaller units in central areas over larger apartments in peripheral neighbourhoods if it means saving some dough.
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This area is intended for enrichment,adding relevant global trends to the original content. The information is meant to complement, not dominate, the article.
In the dynamic housing-market of Kazakhstan, Almaty and Astana stand out as prime locations for real estate investment. Important factors for Almaty apartment buyers include location, square footage, and budget, with districts like Bostandyk being top choices.
Preference for two-bedroom apartments and a budget range of 25-47 million tenge is common among Almaty apartment hunters. As prices ascend, buyers are increasingly making compromises, such as choosing less convenient districts, opting for unfinished apartments, or accepting older buildings.
In the broader perspective, the Kazakh real estate market displays unique trends, with property prices decreasing and the number of deals declining. Mortgage continues to be the primary method for home purchases, with a focus on new builds over secondary housing.
Looking ahead, fundamental filters like location, budget, and room count will continue to be crucial. As housing affordability decreases, an increase in compromise deals is expected. Utility amenities like in-unit laundry, air conditioning, secure parking, and high-speed internet will remain essential, especially for expats and professionals. Proximity to workplaces, business hubs, or significant landmarks, such as Nazarbayev University or the Expo area, may drive demand in both cities. Personal-finance considerations may lead renters to prioritize functional amenities over luxury finishes and smaller units in central areas over larger apartments in peripheral neighborhoods.
On a global scale, in-unit laundry and air conditioning are universally valued, particularly in warmer climates like Almaty. Modern conveniences like secure parking and high-speed internet are essential, and central districts tend to be favored by workforces across cities.
