Transforming housing policy in war-affected Ukraine

Policy Study

This policy study examines recent developments in housing policy, focusing on pre-invasion trajectories and how the ongoing war has influenced them. It offers a thorough analysis of regional disparities and the growing gap between homeowners and renters caused by the war. The study also examines the inadequacy of existing housing legislation in providing immediate, effective responses to displaced populations.

The author argues that a fundamental shift in Ukraine’s housing policy is urgently required. The current model heavily prioritizes private homeownership, which has a limited financial scope and overshadows other potential housing alternatives. The study proposes concrete policy measures, including establishing a National Housing Agency, reform of the housing finance institution, and systematic legislative revisions. These measures aim to provide long-term sustainable housing solutions that address inequalities and offer diverse housing choices for economically and socially vulnerable groups.

Listen to the author, Vita Shnaider, a Ukrainian anthropologist and a researcher of housing policy, discussing how the country’s housing sector has been reshaped by a decade-long war and Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 in particular.

About the Progressive Ukraine series

This publication is part of the ‘Progressive Ukraine‘ series. The ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine has profoundly impacted the European peace and security architecture. Yet, with policy-making increasingly centred on security, there is a need for a forward-thinking approach that extends beyond the threat of military confrontation to enhance societal resilience. Through the analytical series “Progressive Ukraine” and the book “Europe and the war in Ukraine: From Russian aggression to a new Eastern policy” (2023), we want to show that social democrats can help Ukraine build a resilient and prosperous society, serving as a beacon for a more just and equitable Europe. Such transformation must prioritise the well-being of all citizens, fostering a proactive state that protects by addressing security needs and balancing social, industrial, and technological progress with equality and sustainability.