FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as the most successful ever, in stark contrast to the mounting sanctions on Russia from the US and EU. This is good news for Relex, which has numerous development opportunities in the country.

“We had 98 percent occupancy of the stadiums, one million fans from abroad to discover this country, more than three billion viewers on television,” Infantino explained regarding the Russia-based World Cup.

Despite recent sanctions levied by Western countries, today Russia signals potential for many developers and foreign investors.

Relex Chief Investment Adviser John Bonar explains that “sanctions mean opportunity” for investors. Indeed, sanctions have led to development opportunities that are almost unbelievable.

Reddit user Ryan9387 commented in disbelief on one such offering. He wrote, “4.5 million for 61 homes. $74k each. What a load of bullshit.” His disbelief is not surprising, and it underscores the tremendous opportunity available in Russia. The low development costs and high rates of return are a clear win for the Relex community.

Bonar explained to the user that “the sanctions and falling ruble mean great bargains and good profits to be earned in Russia.” Bonar told him to expect a formal due diligence report by the end of September.

Weeks prior, Bonar shared with a packed conference room the opportunities in Russia. “When the ruble falls, land is cheaper in dollar terms,” he said. “When stocks fall, people opt for security in land.”

Bonar described a Russia much different from its Soviet years, one that has a young population looking to raise families in the safety and security of property. These young people benefit from lower prices.

“With mortgages more readily available, young couples want a home to raise a family,” Bonar said.

As for visitors to the country, a cheaper ruble means that tourists get more for their money, a particularly salient feature for the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean tourists visiting the quickly expanding casino resort city of Vladivostok, Russia, nearby to the Asian continent.

Russia has become an attractive destination for development and investment.

As FIFA President Infantino said about Russia, “Everyone has discovered a beautiful country, a welcoming country, full of people who are keen to show to the world that what maybe is sometimes said is not what happens here.”