Where to buy a hectare of land for $0

Real estate prices in the big Australian cities have come down somewhat, but it's still hard to purchase a big block of land and still have enough change leftover to build a house.

So how does $0 for an entire hectare of land sound?

The Russian government is considering giving away land for free in its Arctic regions, according to the AAP, to try to stimulate population and economic growth.

The very cold areas are strategically important for the country, with its rich mineral resources and shipping lanes.

If enacted, the plan would see the land offered to current residents for six months. After that period, anyone can take up the offer.

The free land would have to be used for building a residence or setting up a business.

"It will definitely serve as a factor to attract new residents to the Arctic, including to set up small businesses," the governor of the Murmansk region told AAP.

Arctic utilisation was expanded during the USSR era, but investment and population has dropped off since the Cold War ended.

If you're interested in building your dream home in Russia, Murmansk is here:

And this is the coastal view in winter:

Here is the aurora borealis flashing over mountains near Murmansk:

And a cathedral in Arkhangelsk:

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