Ukraine's New Housing Law: Key Changes for Those on the Waiting List

Ukraine Enacts New Housing Policy Legislation

According to Міністерство інфраструктури: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law the 'Fundamentals of Housing Policy' (No. 12377), which was approved by the Verkhovna Rada in its second reading on January 13. This legislation introduces a suite of new mechanisms designed to improve access to housing in Ukraine. This reform is a significant step in addressing a long-standing housing shortage, exacerbated by the ongoing war and economic pressures. The new tools include:

• Social and affordable rental schemes;
• Housing operators;
• Investment mechanisms and public-private partnerships;
• Digitalization of administrative processes.

The law was developed by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine as part of fulfilling the Ukraine Facility Plan, which mandates reforms to secure housing for those in need. International organizations, including the European Commission, the World Bank Ukraine, the European Investment Bank, and other housing policy bodies, contributed to its preparation.

Key Provisions of the New Law

Under the new regulations, a system for social (affordable) rental housing will be established, with the possibility of up to 100% rental compensation. The law also provides for the creation of housing funds for affordable rentals, with the stipulation that these properties cannot be privatized or transferred into private ownership. A system of non-profit social housing operators and legal entities serving as affordable housing operators will be introduced.

The legislation further promotes investment and public-private partnerships in the housing sector, alongside the automation and digitalization of housing policy procedures. The housing waiting list will become fully digital, with all applications processed through a unified electronic information and analytical system.

Our goal is to make housing more accessible by combining various support mechanisms, modernizing the housing stock, and creating clear, transparent rules for investors. The adoption of this Law effectively launches a new housing policy. We are moving away from outdated approaches and building a system centered on human needs and practical tools for accessing housing.

Oleksiy Kubraha, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine

The passage of this law marks a crucial step in tackling Ukraine's housing crisis, which has been intensified by the war and economic challenges. New mechanisms like social rentals and process digitalization could significantly ease access to housing for vulnerable populations. The involvement of international partners underscores Ukraine's commitment to aligning with European housing policy practices and attracting investment to improve living conditions for its citizens.