

Ukraine's Controversial Housing Bill: Privatization Rights at Risk After Martial Law
Kyiv, Ukraine - A new legislative initiative in Ukraine, Bill 12377, has sparked considerable discussion regarding the future of housing privatization. The bill, which recently passed its first reading, proposes significant changes to the nation's housing policy, including the potential repeal of the existing Housing Code and the law on state housing privatization. According to real estate expert Iryna Mitina, these changes could have profound implications for citizens who have not yet privatized their apartments. "After one year following the end of martial law, you will no longer be able to privatize your apartment," Mitina stated in a recent video. She explained that the new policy aims to establish a social housing fund, with the state intending to provide housing for rent rather than allowing free privatization. Mitina further elaborated that the government plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the unprivatized housing stock. While the exact implementation details remain unclear, she warned of a scenario where the state could reclassify existing unprivatized housing as social housing. "Imagine a situation where you live in an apartment your whole life and then start receiving bills for rent," she posited, underscoring the potential shift from ownership to tenancy. Her message to the public is clear: "If you haven't privatized your apartment yet, hurry up." She also urged viewers to share the information with friends and relatives to ensure they are aware of the impending changes. The proposed legislation has already generated strong reactions among the public, with many expressing concerns about the implications for property rights and housing accessibility.

