How to buy an office in Moscow City?

Moscow City — is Moscow’s main business district, where the headquarters of the largest Russian and international companies are concentrated. Buying an office here means securing a prestigious address, fully developed infrastructure within a single complex, and some of the best views in the city. This article covers everything you need to know before purchasing: which towers are in Moscow City, how much office space costs, what to look for, and how to avoid mistakes when choosing.

What is Moscow City and why offices are bought here

The Moscow International Business Center “Moscow City” is located on Presnenskaya Embankment, just a few minutes from the Kremlin. Construction began in the 1990s, and today it is a fully developed business district with skyscrapers, shopping galleries, hotels, restaurants, and residential apartments.

Why companies choose Moscow City to buy office space:

• A prestigious address that is instantly recognized by clients, partners, and employees
• Full infrastructure within the complex: restaurants, banks, fitness centers, parking, medical services
• Three metro stations within walking distance
• A high level of security and advanced engineering systems in every tower
• International standards of Class A and A+ office spaces

An office in Moscow City is not just a workspace — it’s a statement of a company’s position in the market.

What towers are in Moscow City: a buyer’s guide

Before buying an office in Moscow City, it is important to understand how the towers differ from each other. Each has its own specialization, height, and price range.

Federation Tower

The most famous skyscraper in Moscow City and the second-tallest building in Europe. It consists of two towers: East (95 floors, 374 meters) and West (62 floors, 242 meters). Federation Tower is the winner of the International Property Awards in the “World’s Best Property” category (2019).

The East Tower features office spaces ranging from standard units to the unique office penthouse F-375 on floors 93–95 — the highest office in Europe, with an area of 2,642 m² under a 14-meter glass dome.

Mercury Tower

One of the most recognizable skyscrapers in Moscow City — 75 floors, 338 meters high. It houses offices and apartments and stands out with its distinctive architectural silhouette topped with a golden crown.

OKO Tower

A complex of two towers — North (85 floors, 352 meters) and South (49 floors, 201 meters). One of the most modern developments in Moscow City, completed in 2015. It offers high-class office spaces with well-developed infrastructure.

Empire Tower

66 floors, height 239 meters. Located in the central part of Moscow City, with good transport accessibility. The “Empire” observation deck is located on the 58th floor.

Evolution, Eurasia, City of Capitals Towers

Earlier Moscow City developments with a wide range of office units of various sizes. Suitable for companies that want a Moscow City location but have a more limited budget compared to flagship towers.

How much does an office in Moscow City cost: price guidelines

The price of an office in Moscow City depends on several factors: the tower, floor level, size, fit-out condition, and availability of additional infrastructure.

Key factors affecting the price:

• Floor level — the higher, the more expensive. The price difference between lower and upper floors within the same tower can reach 30–50%
• View — offices with panoramic views of the Moscow River or the city are more expensive
• Fit-out condition — shell & core (no finishing), white box (ready for final finishing), or fully fitted office with furniture
• Unit size — smaller units (200–500 m²) are more expensive per square meter than larger ones
• Tower — flagship properties (Federation, OKO) are priced above the Moscow City average

For accurate and up-to-date pricing, it is best to contact tower management companies or accredited brokers directly — the commercial real estate market in Moscow City changes frequently, and public listings often do not reflect the real situation.

What to consider when buying an office in Moscow City

1. Legal status of the property

Offices in Moscow City can be sold as freehold or offered as long-term leasehold with a buyout option. Before the transaction, it is important to verify:

• The seller’s ownership rights and absence of encumbrances
• Property designation (non-residential, office use)
• Availability of all required permits for the building
• Management company terms: operating expenses, utility payments, parking

2. Tower infrastructure

Not all towers in Moscow City are equipped equally. When purchasing, it is important to clarify:

• Number of elevators and waiting times — a critical parameter in high-rise buildings
• Security and access control systems
• Availability of backup power supply
• Parking spaces — included in the deal or purchased separately
• Meeting rooms and common areas on the floor

3. Floor level and view

Height directly affects the working atmosphere and the status of the office. Offices on higher floors offer natural light without shading from neighboring towers, panoramic views, and a greater sense of space. At the same time, on higher floors it is important to consider the quality of ventilation and air conditioning systems — in high-quality towers, this is solved at the building engineering level.

4. Management company

In Moscow City, each tower is managed by a separate company. Service conditions, operating costs, and service quality can vary significantly. It is important to уточнить in advance:

• Monthly operating expenses (usually calculated per m²)
• What is included in the service and what is paid separately
• The reputation of the management company among current tenants

5. Space format

Offices in Moscow City are offered in different formats:

• Single unit on a floor — a standard option suitable for most companies
• Entire floor — for large teams, offers maximum flexibility in layout
• Multiple floors — for headquarters, requires negotiations with the management company
• Penthouse — a unique format, available as a single unit in Federation Tower

Answers to frequently asked questions

Can an individual buy an office in Moscow City?

Yes, an individual can purchase office space in Moscow City. Legally, it is non-residential commercial real estate and is оформляется as a standard purchase transaction. Many buyers register the office under an individual entrepreneur (IE) or a legal entity for tax purposes.

How much does the most expensive office in Moscow City cost?

The top lot on the Moscow City office real estate market is the three-level office penthouse F-375 in Federation Tower — 2,642 m² on floors 93–95 under a glass dome at a height of 360–370 meters. It is the highest office in Europe.

Which floor is best for buying an office in Federation Tower?

It depends on your goals. Mid-level floors (20–60) offer the best balance of price, accessibility, and views. High floors (70+) provide maximum status and panoramic views but come at a higher cost. Top floors (93–95) feature the F-375 office penthouse — a unique, one-of-a-kind property.

Are there offices with a Kremlin view in Moscow City?

Yes, from the upper floors on the eastern side of Moscow City towers, there are views of the historic center of Moscow, including the Kremlin, the White House, and the Ukraina Hotel. This view is especially prominent from the higher floors of the Federation East Tower.

Which is better — buying or renting an office in Moscow City?

Buying is justified if a company plans to operate in the space for 7–10 years or more, wants to fix the asset on its balance sheet, or considers the office as an investment with resale potential. Renting is better suited for a more flexible planning horizon.

Office purchase process in Moscow City: step by step

Step 1. Define your requirements area, floor, tower, budget, format (fitted office or shell & core). The more precise the parameters, the faster the search.

Step 2. Explore available options contact tower management companies directly — some listings are not publicly available. Also monitor brokers specializing in Moscow City.

Step 3. Conduct legal due diligence verify documents, property history, encumbrances, and utility debts. Do not cut corners at this stage.

Step 4. Negotiations and transaction agree on deal terms, payment structure, and transfer of keys and documents. For large transactions, legal support from a commercial real estate specialist is recommended.

Step 5. Registration of ownership through Rosreestr — a standard procedure for non-residential property. Registration time is from 5 business days.

Premium office in Federation Tower: penthouse F-375

you are considering purchasing an office at the headquarters or executive level, special attention should be given to the F-375 office penthouse in Federation East Tower.

Property parameters:

• Three levels: floors 93, 94, and 95 of Federation East Tower
• Total area — 2,642 m²
• Height above ground — 360–370 meters
• Glass dome 14 meters high — sky instead of a ceiling
• 360° panoramic views over Moscow
• Private club lobby and dedicated elevator group
• Smart management system: DALI lighting, climate control, security with facial recognition

F-375 is a one-of-a-kind property. There are no comparable offices in Europe in terms of height and format. Federation Tower has been recognized as the world’s best mixed-use complex by the International Property Awards.

In short: what you need to know before buying an office in Moscow City

• Moscow City is a business district with more than a dozen Class A and A+ towers
• The price depends on the tower, floor, size, and fit-out condition
• Legal due diligence is mandatory before the transaction
• Clarify management company terms — operating costs vary significantly
• Some listings are not publicly available — work directly with tower management
• Top asset in Moscow City — F-375 Office Penthouse in Federation Tower, 95th floor, the highest office in Europe

Learn more about the F-375 office penthouse in Federation Tower: details