In Ukraine, old "Khrushchyovkas" and panel buildings may be demolished: details to follow.

The bill allowing the demolition of old residential buildings was initially adopted in 2022 but was later sent back for revision. In its previous version, the authors proposed to "update," meaning to reconstruct or completely demolish not only "Khrushchyovkas" but also all housing from the old stock. The final approval of the bill in the Verkhovna Rada may occur by the end of this year, said MP Elena Shulyak in a comment to "Minfin."

The project titled "Law on Comprehensive Reconstruction of Outdated Residential Areas (Microdistricts)" suggests introducing a mechanism that would allow for the demolition of old emergency residential buildings and the construction of modern multi-story buildings in their place.

The bill’s card notes that many residential buildings in Ukraine are reaching the end of their operational lifespan or have long since expired. According to the State Statistics Service, as of January 1, 2017, the area of outdated residential stock amounted to 4.33 million square meters.

In 2019, the authors of the project received statistical data from local self-government bodies, which counted 30,380 outdated apartment buildings in Ukraine. This included:

• 7,646 built up to and including 1919 (58 of them recognized as emergency);
• 9,693 built between 1920 and 1953 (45 are emergency);
• 7,192 built from 1954 to 1969 (40 recognized as emergency);
• 5,364 built from 1970 to 1989 (24 of them are emergency);
• 785 houses built between 1990 and 2010.

"The continued operation of such houses not only subjects residents to uncomfortable living conditions but also poses a direct threat to their living environment. These very neighborhoods (microdistricts) are the target for reconstruction and investment," the explanatory note states.

Demolition of Old Houses: What Owners Can Expect

The bill stipulates that the specified houses may be reconstructed and modernized: windows, utilities, and engineering equipment can be replaced, facades can be insulated, and accessibility for people with disabilities can be improved. Those buildings that cannot be reconstructed are proposed for demolition, with new housing to be built in their place. Decisions will be made based on the results of energy audits and technical-economic calculations.

Additionally, the project states that "in case of public necessity," authorities will be able to forcibly expropriate land for the reconstruction of microdistricts. Owners who oppose this are advised to seek legal recourse.

During the restoration of the houses, residents are planned to be offered "temporary housing." When an old house is demolished, residents may also be forcibly relocated to temporary housing or provided with permanent accommodation in already completed buildings. A monetary compensation option is also being considered.

Demolition of Residential Houses in Ukraine: When It May Begin

The bill was initially adopted on first reading on September 21, 2022. After two years of revisions, the second reading and overall adoption of the project may take place by the end of 2024, reported the chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on State Governance, Local Self-Government, Regional Development, and Urban Planning, Elena Shulyak.

"The project is being prepared for the second reading; it is very challenging. However, I hope that by the end of the year we can submit this bill for the second reading," said the MP.

Recall that on November 22, Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration Anna Starostenko announced that the Soviet star will be removed from the building on Khreshchatyk where Verka Serdyuchka has an apartment. Additionally, several other Soviet monuments will be removed from public spaces.

On November 20, the Temporary Special Commission (TSC) on the Protection of the Rights of IDPs and Others explained who among IDPs can expect compensation for destroyed housing.