Minregion and the American Chamber of Commerce discuss new housing partnership opportunities

Involving the private sector in creating social housing, new rules for the housing sector and opportunities for partnerships with communities were the main topics of Minregion’s meeting with representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.

Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and IDPs of Ukraine Nataliia Kozlovska and the ministry team presented key legislative changes under the housing reform and discussed the role investors, developers and operators could play in developing social and affordable housing.

One key area is the draft law “On Social Housing”. It should give communities mechanisms for creating housing funds that will remain owned by the operator and be rented to people. Participants discussed the economic model for such projects and the conditions needed to attract private companies.

“It is important for the ministry to involve the American Chamber of Commerce in a discussion with business about how the social housing model can work and what opportunities it opens up for companies. This could become a distinct, substantive area of work. We want to discuss how investors, developers and potential housing operators can participate in such projects,” Nataliia Kozlovska said.

Chamber representatives were also briefed on the State Housing Strategy, which is being considered by the Government, and forthcoming changes to legislation on affordable housing and housing stock management.

They also discussed transparency in the rental market, income declaration and protection of tenants’ and owners’ rights. Minregion invited Chamber representatives to contribute to further work on these issues and share business experience.

Another area is a pilot social housing construction project Minregion is preparing with the European Investment Bank. It will help test the new social housing model in practice and prepare for its implementation in communities.