Ukraine is preparing to implement a new housing policy model aimed at addressing a number of pressing issues, including the renovation of outdated housing stock, the elimination of long-standing queues for housing, and the completion of unfinished constructions. To this end, in July, the Verkhovna Rada approved in the first reading the government bill No. 12377 “On the Basic Principles of Housing Policy,” which is now being prepared for the second reading.
This is reported by Finway
Main Provisions of the Bill and Prospects for Its Adoption
According to the document, Ukraine plans to create a social rental market that will allow citizens to access affordable housing without the obligation to purchase it. This initiative is expected to ease access to housing for those who cannot afford to buy their own property.
“Of the amendments that remain, about a thousand can be classified as amendment spam, so we hope that the authors of the amendments will withdraw them. However, our task is to work through each one, which will increase the chances of the bill that will launch the housing reform in Ukraine,” said the head of the parliamentary Committee on State Power Organization, Local Self-Government, Regional Development, and Urban Planning, Olena Shuliak (“Servant of the People”).
According to Olena Shuliak, the adoption of bill No. 12377 is expected in the fall. This aligns with the requirements of the European Union under the Ukraine Facility program. Furthermore, meeting this indicator will allow Ukraine to attract 400 million euros in funding, half of which will be in loans and the other half in grants.
Issues of the Old Housing Stock and Prospects for Reconstruction
The issue of demolishing outdated buildings remains relevant. Back in the fall of 2022, lawmakers approved in the first reading bill No. 6458, which provides for the comprehensive reconstruction of old housing quarters, including the demolition of old buildings to construct new ones. However, further progress on this document is currently lacking.
The last active discussion around the bill took place in the summer of 2024. It was noted that the issue of updating the housing stock has intensified due to the war, and there are virtually no vacant plots left for construction in large cities, especially in central areas that are of most interest to developers.
In particular, an average “Khrushchyovka” is a five-story building with four entrances and four apartments on each landing, totaling 80 apartments. If a modern multi-story building were to be constructed on the same plot, the number of apartments could increase to 350.
It is currently unknown whether the reform includes the construction of social housing through the demolition of old “Khrushchyovkas.” In response to this question, MP Olena Shuliak did not provide a clear answer.