Belarus Overhauls Housing Policy: Preferential Loans Replace Shared Construction

Belarus Implements New Housing Policy: A Shift from Shared Construction to Preferential Loans MINSK, BELARUS – June 1, 2025 – Belarus has introduced significant changes to its housing policy, moving away from the shared construction model and towards a system of preferential loans for purchasing ready-made apartments. This policy shift directly impacts the lives of many Belarusian citizens seeking affordable housing. The new policy focuses on providing subsidized loans specifically for apartments in multi-unit residential buildings constructed under government contracts. This change eliminates the previous system of interest rate subsidies on commercial loans for housing. A key aspect of the new policy is the exclusion of smaller towns with populations under 20,000 from the preferential loan program. Residents of these smaller towns will still have access to support for housing purchases on both the primary and secondary markets. According to Anatoly Sivko, a deputy of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, "By excluding shared construction and transitioning to a system of preferential lending for the purchase of ready-made housing, we are simplifying procedures and eliminating risks associated with unfinished construction. More families will be able to purchase housing and improve their living conditions." The video also highlights changes in the construction regulations for state-ordered housing. Multi-unit dwellings will now be built without involving shared construction participants. The eligibility criteria for purchasing these apartments have also been expanded, going beyond those with prior state support rights. The new housing policy represents a significant step towards streamlining the housing market and making homeownership more accessible for Belarusian families. The focus on ready-made apartments offers greater certainty and reduces financial risks for buyers, while the expansion of eligibility criteria ensures that a wider range of citizens can benefit from the program.