Central Bank: residents' currency sales exceed purchases — what it means for big buys

According to navigator.az, Toghrul Aliyev, Director General of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), stated that no concerning trends are currently observed in the country's currency market regarding supply and demand, and that residents' currency sales exceed their purchases.

He also noted that, as part of the fight against money laundering, banks may impose restrictions on currency sales to citizens based on their internal control systems. According to Aliyev, this approach is not limited to currency transactions but also applies to other banking operations: in line with international standards and national legislation, banks, like other financial institutions, must improve and rebuild their internal control systems in the fight against money laundering.

What this means for the average buyer

When supply and demand on the currency market remain stable, it usually makes it easier to plan major expenses — a car, a home, appliances — since the key variable shaping a budget becomes less volatile. But another point raised by the CBA matters too: internal controls on banking operations, including currency sales, may tighten. The practical takeaway is simple — anyone planning a large currency transaction should prepare documentation in advance and be ready to clarify the source of funds, to avoid running into unexpected restrictions.

What Prayk's catalog shows

While the market is expected to stay stable, real market figures remain the main reference point for buyers and sellers. Prayk's catalog currently lists 872,623 listings, of which 178,201 have a map location, making local search easier.

• The cars section has 50,307 listings, with a median asking price of 13,800 AZN; there are also 30,865 listings for spare parts and accessories.
• The housing category has 100,125 listings. In Baku, the median sale price for new-build apartments is 267,000 AZN, and for older buildings 175,000 AZN. Median monthly rent is 750 AZN for a 2-room apartment and 1,050 AZN for a 3-room apartment.
• Land plots have 10,551 listings, with a median price of 87,500 AZN.
• The Products section has 305,809 listings.

These figures show that regardless of currency market stability, knowing the real market prices is the most reliable step before making a major purchase decision.

What to do next

If you're planning to buy a car, home, or another expensive item, the first step is to study the current market situation rather than rely on guesswork. The Prices section lets you check median figures by category, and the calculator helps run your own estimate. Those looking for housing can check the real estate section, and those interested in land plots can use the land category. When choosing a car, it's recommended to compare the offer against median prices in the cars section. Anyone planning a large currency transaction should prepare the necessary documents in advance so the process goes smoothly.

Source: navigator.az, 2026.