A shortage of council housing, combined with a poorly regulated rental market and large-scale displacement caused by people fleeing war, has put serious pressure on housing availability and affordability, according to a report published by the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM).
An elderly woman evacuated from the Donetsk region now lives in the city of Dnieper.
The UN estimates that around 10.6 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes, almost a quarter of the pre-war population, most of whom left the country.
Two-thirds of the 3.7 million people left have struggled to pay for their new accommodation. For many, their dependence on the rental market has depleted family savings.
Financial burden
According to the report, “the financial burden of rent continues to weigh heavily on displaced households,” as they are forced to spend 50 percent or more of their income on rent.
As the war in Ukraine continues, addressing the housing needs of displaced Ukrainians remains a top priority.
“IOM is dedicated to helping internally displaced people and the communities that host them build lasting futures. This includes training for new skills, connecting people to jobs and ensuring stable homes,” said Robert Turner, IOM Head of Mission in Ukraine.
Humanitarian and development partners continue to support displaced people to access housing through financial and legal assistance, as well as through livelihood initiatives, complementing the efforts of local authorities to expand or rehabilitate the municipal housing stock.