On the foundation of socialism
The attitude towards Russians in general and towards those of them who buy real estate varies in different countries. It is unlikely that a homeowner will want to experience stress and receive negative emotions every time he leaves his own home to buy groceries. Therefore, the buyer should analyze the situation in different countries in advance and make the right choice – the country in which they can avoid unpleasant surprises.
Most often, the attention of real estate buyers is attracted by warm coastal countries, many of them belong to the former socialist camp. As soon as the "iron curtain" disappeared, the attitude towards Russians changed dramatically for the worse, but time passed, life in Eastern Europe improved, and former grievances were more or less forgotten. Now the friendly attitude towards Russians largely depends on the religious community.
In all Orthodox countries, even those that were not previously part of the socialist camp, Russians are treated very friendly, distinguishing them from other foreigners. It is very unlikely that a Russian homeowner will be poorly received in Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro and other Orthodox countries.
The countries where Russians are treated more kindly than other foreigners include Montenegro. Its inhabitants are Slavs by blood and Orthodox by religion, which implies our common views on life, a system of building relationships, a culture of recreation, and the similarity of languages. Even Montenegrin cuisine is similar to Russian, but with elements of Mediterranean cuisine.
There are no fewer Russian property owners in Montenegro than the British, but the attitude towards them is warmer. If the homeowner complies with all laws and respects the requirements of the local community, the sincere acceptance of local residents is guaranteed to him. Russians also feel quite comfortable in the society of Montenegrins. Although there are many nuances and differences in mentality in this case. There is also a difference in the attitude towards compliance with the laws – they honor them more than Russians are used to.
Another country where Russian homeowners are very welcome is Bulgaria. In addition to religious and ethnic proximity, there is also an important historical moment that influenced the formation of the attitude of Bulgarians towards Russians.
"March 3 is a national holiday in Bulgaria – the Day of Liberation from the Turkish yoke, which lasted 500 years," says Petar Nikolov, director of Bulgaria4you. – The Bulgarians were liberated 130 years ago by the Russian army, and therefore they treat the Russians as brothers. Even 45 years of socialism could not change this attitude, and it has not changed in those ten recent years when ties between the countries weakened. But in recent years, Russians' interest in Bulgarian real estate has increased dramatically, and market analysis shows that this is only the beginning – soon Russians will displace the current leaders – the British and Irish."
In Slavic but Catholic Croatia, Russians who own real estate are treated the same way as other foreigners – neutrally and affably. In case of superficial contacts, for example in shops, Croats are friendly and restrained in emotions – the German influence affects. Only with closer communication between neighbors or acquaintances does the Slavic community manifest itself and relations become warmer.
But in the former Baltic republics, the attitude towards Russians is ambiguous. Although most residents of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania no longer see them as occupiers, there is still some coolness. Political events, such as the scandal surrounding the monument to the soldiers of liberation in Tallinn, also create a negative background. As a result, despite the high profitability of local real estate and the unique geographical proximity, Russians are reluctant to invest in the Baltic States.
Europe doesn't mind
If Russians have been well known in the countries of the former socialist camp for decades, then in Spain, by and large, they still get to know and form an idea. "Compared to the British, who make every third of the four transactions, the share of Russian buyers is small,– says Vladimir Desyatnik from Soldel. This also implies the attitude of Spaniards towards homeowners from Russia as a kind of exotic, which, however, does not affect the goodwill of Spaniards in any way. The only thing that surprises them is the relative youth of Russian buyers – their return is on average 30-40 years old, whereas the British make purchases, already being in old age."
Due to some national characteristics of the inhabitants of Spain, Russians feel comfortable in this country. Oleg Bakalyuk, head of Cadespa, says: "Spaniards are by nature a very friendly people, which undoubtedly plays a positive role in choosing a country to buy a house by the sea for both Europeans and Russians."
What Slavs and Spaniards have in common is friendliness. But if the Slavs easily establish friendly relations and are set up for this, then the Spaniards are quite closed people. With all the outward openness and friendliness, the manner of hugging when meeting even unfamiliar people, they are not inclined to closer friendly contacts, familiar to Russians, preferring friendly communication in bars and restaurants. Spaniards, like Russians, love to eat delicious food. One of the national traditions is a family outing to a restaurant, usually on a Sunday.
Great Britain is a country in which the purchase of real estate is available only to the wealthy. Here, too, they have just begun to get acquainted with Russians, and the attitude of the British towards them can be described as neutral and tolerant – it is not for nothing that English politeness and benevolence have become a byword
Perhaps the most important aspect for property owners in England is their knowledge of the language. The better the customer owns it, the more comfortable he feels in everyday life, and the more opportunities there are to establish friendly contacts. This is quite possible, but it is necessary to take into account the national trait – the British do not let themselves in immediately. They take a long time to look at new acquaintances, do not invite them to their home at all, preferring meetings in restaurants, on neutral territory. But if they include you in their friendly circle, then you can be sure that this is forever.
Towards the Russian bear
Stereotypes, historical or newly acquired, largely influence the formation of a special attitude towards Russians. Each country has its own rules, but there are also many common ones. For example, the stereotype that all Russians are very rich, which arose after Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea football club.
Russian Russian mafia "In the 1990s, the British had extremely primitive and conventional ideas about Russia and Russians: bears, balalaika, poverty, etc. A little later, the theme of the Russian mafia began to sound," says Egor Shishkovsky, head of the company LondonDom.com – The situation changed in 2003, after the landmark purchase of Abramovich. Then the press began to talk about the fact that Russians have money, and they are actively buying real estate here. But they spoke without condemnation, but simply as an unexpected discovery. And it immediately turned out that there were a lot of Russians in London, because previously only a few emigrants and embassy workers lived here. By the way, the British mean by "Russians" representatives of all former Soviet republics – from Ukraine to Kazakhstan."
Numerous publications in the European press about Russian billionaires have created an aura of wealth and prosperity around Russians. Maria Zhukova from the Medium Line company tells: "Russians in Montenegro are considered wealthy people. Not so long ago, a typical situation was when a real estate seller overestimated the price as soon as he found out that the buyer was from Russia. Now such episodes no longer happen, but the reputation of Russians."
This image is also supported by the national trait of Russians – the absence of pettiness. By the way, we are respected in many countries for this: "Buyers from Russia have high requirements, but they are willing to pay for their fulfillment," says Petar Nikolov. "This is how they differ from Europeans, whose demands often exceed their ability to pay."
Language and law
Living comfortably in a foreign country means being able to buy groceries, have fun, have access to all service services and solve the difficulties that arise in everyday life without interference. And not to create difficulties for yourself because of ignorance of local laws and regulations. Not everything that Russians take for granted is generally accepted in foreign countries. For example, this applies to housing maintenance issues. In many European countries, state or local laws do not allow the owner to change the appearance of the house and make repairs as he pleases. "If laws and regulations require homeowners to observe a certain color scheme in the exterior of the house, then Montenegrins strictly adhere to this rule and expect the same from their Russian neighbors,– says Maria Zhukova. – Therefore, Russians who have purchased a house in Montenegro should remember that they are in a foreign country, with their own laws and rules. It is wrong to assume that the friendliness of local residents gives a green light to arbitrariness."
It is important for Russians who own houses in Slavic countries not to fall into a language trap. For example, Serbian sounds similar to Russian, andwhen reading, it seems that everything is clear. But this is only at first glance. In order not to get into trouble, you need to have an accurate translation of all the documents that you have to sign. Maria Zhukova advises resorting to the services of an interpreter or conducting business through professionals. Especially if it concerns the conclusion of large transactions: "Those who are planning a purchase need to know that, for example, in Croatia, the procedure for taking ownership is very difficult. It will not be easy for a private person to solve this issue on their own. The easiest way to make a purchase is for a legal entity."
A language barrier in Montenegro may also arise when communicating with sellers in stores. You may have to explain yourself with gestures here, since only those who need it for work know English here. But if the Montenegrins hear that the Russians are trying to speak to them in Serbian, they will express their respect in every possible way. In Croatia, in addition to their native language, many people speak German. This language is more widespread here than English. Croats do not understand Russian, and it is important to take this into account.
Siesta for Russians
It is equally important to know about many features of the way of life in certain countries that are not directly related to the attitude towards Russians. If in Croatia shops, service centers and restaurants do not disappear with the end of the tourist season, then in other countries it may be different. "When buying a house or apartment in a resort area, it should be borne in mind that in small towns where the entire infrastructure is designed for tourists, life freezes in winter," says Vladimir Desyatnik. – Sometimes Russians, especially the young and accustomed to constant communication, suddenly discover that the village is simply dying out with the onset of autumn. Everything is closed, except, for example, one bar."
If we continue talking about Spain, then we cannot ignore its colorful feature – siesta. In summer, life in the seaside resort areas freezes during the day. From 13.30 to about 17 o'clock, during the siesta, everything is closed – banks, shops, service centers. Only very large supermarkets and department stores are open. Therefore, Russians, especially residents of large cities who are used to living in an active rhythm around the clock, need to mentally prepare for this and tune into a different rhythm of life.
There are nuances in each country that need to be clarified before making a purchase. This is the only way to avoid disappointment and enjoy life in your second home without fear of unexpected and unpleasant surprises.