Russians are increasingly prohibiting real estate transactions without personal participation. From January to May 2026, Rosreestr received more than 2.5 million such applications — more than double the number for the same period last year. In Moscow, the number of applications increased by almost 50% in the first half of the year, according to the capital's department of the agency.
The self-imposed ban allows the owner to restrict the registration of title transfer based on documents submitted without their personal participation. The mark is entered into the USRRE, and the service is free. An application can be submitted through Gosuslugi, the Rosreestr website, or the MFC.
This mechanism helps protect against fraudsters who try to sell an apartment using a forged or stolen power of attorney or by using someone else's electronic signature. However, it does not eliminate risks with the owner's personal participation and does not guarantee protection from all disputed transactions, including situations related to the so-called Dolina scheme.
At the same time, a self-imposed ban can complicate legitimate operations. For example, after the owner's death, heirs may require additional paperwork, and in some cases, recourse to court. Experts also advise buyers to check an up-to-date extract from the USRRE: the seller may impose a ban after receiving a previously issued document.
Read more on the topic:
- After Dolina's case: ban on cash payments in real estate transactions proposed in the State Duma
- Neither more nor less: fraudsters cleverly use self-ban on loans to deceive Russians
- What to do if scammers have gained access to "Gosuslugi"?