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by R. Karageorgieva

From the Draft Law of Ukraine on the Fundamental Principles of Housing Policy to the Strategy of Housing Policy of Ukraine

The UNECE policy paper "From the Draft Law of Ukraine on the Fundamental Principles of Housing Policy to the Strategy of Housing Policy of Ukraine" sets out a transformative framework to address Ukraine's housing crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. With the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine (MSP) estimating $55.9 billion in housing damage and 4.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of 1 July 2024, the outdated 1983 Housing Code has proven inadequate. The proposed reforms emphasize modernized housing accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, ensuring efficient use of housing stock while defining collaborative roles for state, local governments, and the private sector.

Key highlights include incentivizing affordable housing development through public-private partnerships, implementing rental subsidies for vulnerable populations, and addressing immediate housing needs of IDPs. Sustainability measures, such as energy efficiency initiatives, align with international best practices, drawing inspiration from EU and OECD housing policies. By developing a State Housing Strategy, Ukraine aims to achieve long-term housing solutions, integrating innovative mechanisms like subsidized mortgages, tax incentives, and regulated rental markets to build a resilient, inclusive housing system.