Numerous factors influence the choice of housing in 2025, but the main ones remain financial capabilities and the assessment of risks associated with the war. Some potential buyers find these circumstances limiting, while others still plan to purchase an apartment—either using their own savings or taking advantage of government programs. What type of housing are Ukrainians choosing in 2025: the advantages of the primary or secondary market, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments, with or without renovation? Let’s examine the key trends this year.
This is reported by Finway
Demand for Secondary Housing
Secondary market apartments show significantly higher demand compared to new builds. According to data from the April OLX Real Estate survey, 61% of respondents consider housing options in both the primary and secondary markets. However, only 14% of those surveyed are looking exclusively for apartments in new builds, while 24% prefer only secondary housing.
According to OLX analysis, secondary apartments receive over three times more inquiries, indicating a clear preference for this segment of the market.
“Economic realities—low incomes and rising prices—are pushing Ukrainians towards the secondary market, where more affordable housing can be found without the risks of waiting,” OLX Real Estate notes.
Respondents indicated the possibility of immediate occupancy as the main advantage of the secondary market (68% of respondents). Other benefits include:
- the ability to assess the actual condition of the property (57%);
- established infrastructure (51%);
- the chance to negotiate (50%);
- a wider selection of neighborhoods (34%).
Lower prices are also a decisive factor for many buyers who cannot afford housing in new builds or wait for construction to be completed.
Advantages of the Primary Market
However, the primary market offers attractive opportunities for those willing to spend more for a higher level of comfort. The survey indicates that characteristics such as the following are of interest in the primary market:
- independent heating and availability of backup power (53%);
- modern layout (51%);
- developed infrastructure, including parking and playgrounds (45%);
- use of new materials and construction technologies (44%).
Nevertheless, despite its appeal, the primary market also has its drawbacks: 69% of respondents believe that purchasing can be risky due to unfinished construction, and 61% consider delays in the commissioning of buildings significant. This, in turn, raises concerns about high prices, renovation costs, and waiting times.
Regarding the number of rooms, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments remain the most popular among young families and investors planning to rent them out. Generally, these properties are more affordable. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment on OLX is 1.67 million hryvnias, while a two-bedroom apartment is 2.32 million hryvnias.
At the same time, demand for apartments with renovations remains high, as potential buyers seek ready-to-move-in homes.
“Most people are looking for apartments with renovations that they can move into immediately. Renovations take a lot of time and incur extra costs. People need to settle in now, not postpone their lives for later,” emphasized Olena Haidamaka, president of the Association of Real Estate Professionals of Ukraine.
The average cost of apartments in acceptable living conditions is 1.35 million hryvnias, while housing with euro renovations is valued at 2.61 million hryvnias.