Golf and foreign high-end real estate at the Moscow Golf & Luxury Property Show

The Moscow Golf & Luxury Property Show, an exhibition dedicated to golf and premium class foreign property, traditionally organised by AI Group, took place with great success at the Tishinka Trade and Exhibition Centre in Moscow on 22nd - 23rd April. Approximately 5000 visitors attended the show, which boasted 107 companies from 27 countries from around the world, all presenting their property and services.

According to research conducted by KPMG, golf's popularity as a sport is growing steadily. At the present time, there are in the region of 50 million golf fans around the world. The fact that the number of golf lovers in the Netherlands grew by 146% over the last decade, in Spain by 124%, and that this figure topped 650% in the Czech Republic illustrates this. And the Russian golfing industry is bent on becoming on a par with Western Europe. Zaven Andriasyan, Director of the specialist chain of stores GOLFEAST, has this to say: "We have taken part in exhibitions of this nature before. The organisation is excellent and the place very welcoming. There has been a great turn out and we have succeeded in giving away practically all of our print material, with a lot of people even visiting our shops yesterday and today. We are not actually selling anything here, but people are very interested. The exhibition is bringing results. As a specialist I can say that the rise in people turning to golf is evident. Children of golf lovers, who first began to master the game back in the early 90s, are even starting to play. We know because we supply children's golf clubs, and annual demand is growing. Children of 6-7 years old are now learning to play. Remarkably this general interest in golf is evident not only in the Moscow region. For example, a businessman approached me who plans to build a golfing centre in the Kirov district. Similarly, the fact that Russia has formed its own national golf team and that golf is to be included in the Olympic Games programme is very telling.

Other event participants were also quick to note the positive leaps made in terms of Russians' appreciation of golf. "In the West, golfers are usually mature in age. From that respect it is pleasantly surprising that in Russia golf fans are young - 30-35 year olds, maximum 40." says Svetlana Tormisheva of Trevi Elite. "And it is namely that age group that is more often than not interested in golfing properties. We are taking part in this exhibition organised by AI Group for the second time and both shows showed a rise in interest towards luxury property". Ekaterina Bain, Director of Elite Expert, also noted the improved quality of visitors to the exhibition. "This is the second time we have taken part in an exhibition of this kind. In comparison with the first one, the standard of client has gone up. People have become more open and sociable. Last year our enquiry forms put people on their guard. Today people will give their initials, phone numbers and email addresses, which lends us to believe that they are potential clients who have come here with a specific goal in mind."

Participants rated the event organisers highly. "This is the second time for us to take part in an exhibition organised by AI Group and we are happy." said Dmitry Dick, Sales Director for La Manga. "The standard of organisation is high and you can see the signs of sensible management and a clear control of staff everywhere. As far as visitors are concerned, many have come with the concrete desire to buy real estate."
Diana Ulyanova, consultant of Engel&Volkers, was also pleased with the organisation of the show. "This is the first time for me to take part in this kind of show and I liked everything that I saw - the central location and amenities, and of course the quality of the clientele. I represent Montenegro, where we have a lot of Russians, those that have chosen to live there permanently, as well as a steady stream of holiday makers."

Atilla Aksoi, General Director of EKSIOGLU EKYAPI GROUP, also shared his impressions. "We have participated in these kinds of events in Russia three times. Here there are a lot of potential clients. AI Group always organises events to a high standard."

There were a number of participants at the show who signed up for the AI Group exhibition on the advice of their partners. "We are in Moscow for the first time", says Irina Shtefanov, Manager of I.B. Immobilien. "We got involved on the recommendation of other firms who have worked with AI Group before and we have not been disappointed. The show is put together exceptionally well and relations towards exhibitors are super. And what is really crucial - a lot of visitors who have an eye for luxury property. We, in particular, represent elite projects in the famous resort of Baden-Baden. There are medicinal waters there, golf courses and tennis courts. Total freedom for those who want to soak up the atmosphere of the German bourgeoisie and who show discrimination in their taste for sophisticated vacations."

Ludmila Sinelnikova, General Manager for Property Sales of MSG GAYRIMENKUL, also attended Tishinka on the recommendation of real estate agents: "We have taken part in exhibitions in other places. Then, on specialist advice, we came here. And we are delighted. Visitors and potential clients have been flowing through."

Amongst the representatives of countries close to Russia, there are also those from further afield, such as Paul Cary from the United States, Director of Pulte Group. "This is the first time for me to take part in an international exhibition. Our company, amongst other things, can offer Russians elite golfing properties in Florida. Many Europeans, including Russians, flock to Florida, famous not only for its amazing beaches, but also its magnificent golf clubs. Hence here we are. It is clear from our participation here, that Russians, like Americans, strive for a high standard of living. Just like Americans, they prefer properties close to the sea, but they watch the prices, wanting to buy great real estate at a reduced rate. I have to say that now is the time to buy, since prices in the US dropped 40% during the crisis. Elite property can now be acquired at knockdown prices.

Another distant destination, Singapore, had its representative at the show - Inna Shmakova, Director of Investment Source. "Property prices in Singapore are rising all the time, due to the fact that there are no new plots under construction. All the land has long since been sold. Millionaires from around the world all vie to acquire real estate in Singapore, because it offers a stable political environment, developed infrastructure, marinas, golf clubs, restaurants and so on. With regard to Russians buying elite golf-related real estate, the market in Russia is only just beginning to open up. It is early days yet, but nonetheless the dawn of great things to come.

© www.MoscowGolfShow.ru

20-21 April 2012:
• The Moscow Golf & Luxury Property Show 2012 - announcement

22-23 April 2011:
• Golf and foreign high-end real estate at the Moscow Golf & Luxury Property Show
• Let's all play!

23-24 April 2010:
• Event of the Year Devoted to Overseas Property and Golf Industry
• International Property Shows Set Priorities