The third stage of housing reform will be initiated in 2026

The third stage of the housing reform, which will launch a number of mechanisms to solve the housing problems of Ukrainians and help them realize their right to housing, will be initiated next year. This was stated by Olena Shulyak, chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on the Organization of State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning, head of the Servant of the People party, RBC-Ukraine reports citing Ukrainian Radio.

Currently, one of the three draft laws that will launch it has already been registered - draft law No. 12377, "On the Basic Principles of Housing Policy." Its adoption is one of the conditions for Ukraine's participation in the Ukraine Facility program, under which we receive €50 billion from the EU until 2027.

According to her, the purpose of the draft law No. 12377 registered on January 6 is to launch a large-scale housing reform, as a result of which Ukrainians will have a real opportunity to realize their constitutionally guaranteed right to housing. As of today, Ukraine continues to live under the Housing Code created in the 80s of the last century, which for obvious reasons does not work. As a result, as of today, almost 600,000 Ukrainian families are on various housing waiting lists.

"In addition, there is a long queue for housing among our military personnel. The full-scale invasion has further exacerbated all the problems related to housing and the outdated housing code. Today we have almost 5 million registered internally displaced persons. The new draft law provides for the formation of social housing that will be owned by our communities," added Shulyak.

She emphasized that today no community in our country has a sufficient fund of social housing to respond quickly to various needs and challenges. First of all, it will be housing for IDPs, as well as service housing for various public sector employees. At the same time, it is planned to expand various available financial and credit mechanisms.

"Today, we have the only state program called eOselya. Of course, I would like to see private capital enter the market and form the housing stock. According to the new legislation, Ukraine will create a single digital analytical housing system that will work with different data sets. The system will select the best housing options for people according to their needs and income. Housing is unaffordable for many categories of the population. These include young people, teachers, and IDPs. Therefore, our main task is to create more mechanisms to make such housing affordable," explained the MP.

Currently, young people under the age of 26 can take advantage of the eOselya program by paying a down payment of 10% and then paying the mortgage for 20 years. Previously, IDPs had to look for housing under the eHouse program that was no older than three years, which was very difficult to do. Therefore, the term of eHousing for IDPs was extended to 10 years. These changes are the result of public consultations held last year on improving the new housing legislation.

Shulyak also emphasized that its adoption is a condition for the EU to grant Ukraine €50 billion under the Ukraine Facility program. For the EU, this point is mandatory, as they want all EU citizens to be wealthy and capable. Housing policy is just part of fulfilling these goals.

At the same time, the MP pointed out that several laws would be needed to launch the housing reform. The registered draft law No. 12377 is only the first of three and a framework law, as it outlines the main directions of the future housing reform. However, without waiting for its adoption, work has already begun on the next bills that will continue the reform.

"This year, there will be discussions on future draft laws on this issue, and in 2026, it will be possible to initiate the third stage of housing reform," Shulyak summarized.

Author: Oleksandr Moroz