VIII. Housing Trends and Policies
a national housing strategy. This would better integrate housing and
spatial planning into overall socio-economic development.
5. Provide Viable Housing Options for Lower-income Households
Current housing policies are oriented mostly to the needs of
upper-income and upper-middle income residents by facilitating
homeownership while shortages persist for the rest of the population.
It is therefore important to stimulate the widespread development
of rental, not-for-profit and social housing as alternative options to
homeownership.
6. Develop Housing Strategies at the Regional (oblast) and Local
Levels
Collaboration across all administrative levels will be necessary
in order to realize a national housing plan. At the regional level,
priorities for the provision of housing can be linked with other
regional economic and spatial strategies. At the local level, national
and regional housing policies can be adapted to fit specific
contexts and local governments can involve communities and other
stakeholders more closely in key decision-making.
7. Expand the Renovation Program for Multifamily Housing Built
before 1991
Major overhaul of the pre-1991 stock of multifamily housing is a
current government priority. However, institutions and mechanisms
should also be developed to enable longer-term programs for the
maintenance of housing. These could include a competitive market for
firms specialising in housing repairs along with maintaining appropriate
regulations and government standards.
8. Encourage Democratic Forms of Homeowners’ Associations
Homeowners’ associations in multifamily housing are a successful
form of housing management. Nevertheless, these associations require
further support and, especially, better access to financial resources in
order to become fully autonomous and effective. There is a particular
need for support for multi-housing partnerships, most of which remain
under the management and control of local authorities and thus need
to become more independent.
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