Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Overview of Slovak residential real estate market in first half of 2025

The Relocation.com.ua project has prepared a fresh overview of the Slovak housing market (in the first half of 2025) in three sections — prices/sales, rentals, and construction:

Prices and sales continued to grow. In Q2 2025, the average price of residential real estate in Slovakia rose to €2,777/m², which is +12.8% y/y (and +2.9% compared to Q1). This is a new historical maximum according to NBS data. In Q1, the figure was €2,700/m² (+11.4% y/y). Growth is synchronous for apartments and houses, faster in large cities and regional centers.

The capital has seen a sustained upturn: according to media market data, in Q2, the average price of apartments approached €3,100/m², exceeding the peak of 2022 (the old housing stock is growing faster than new construction).

After a weak Q1 (due to the effect of the VAT increase from 20% to 23% from 2025), Q2’25 in Bratislava showed a sharp rebound — ~797 new buildings sold, which is +60% q/q and the second-best result in four years. For the whole of 2024, sales of new buildings in the capital doubled (1,664 vs. 773 in 2023) — part of the demand was “carried over” due to VAT.

The cost of local mortgages continues to normalize: the average rate for residential loans with a 5–10-year fixed term in June was ~3.0%, which supports solvent demand.

The rental market in 2025 is “cooler” than the price market. The supply of apartments for rent has increased, and average rates in a number of regions have been adjusted downward. At the same time, Bratislava remains the most expensive: the average rent is ~€890/month; the most affordable region among the large ones is Trenčín (~€544/month). There is a significant spread across the capital’s districts.

The gross rental yield in the country is about 4.9% (Q2’25); a year ago it was ~5.3%: profitability is slightly “eaten away” by the outpacing growth in purchase prices.

Housing construction is slowing down: in Q1 2025, 3,119 apartments/houses were completed — the lowest number in 9 years, −24% y/y (data from the State Statistics Office). This is the result of a weak flow of starts in 2023–2024 against the backdrop of expensive money and regulatory uncertainty.

It should also be noted that on April 1, 2025, a new Construction Law came into force, combining zoning and permitting into a single procedure designed to speed up the issuance of permits and reduce bureaucracy. The effect on the statistics of permits and completions will gradually become apparent in the second half of 2025–2026.

By mid-2025, Slovakia will be a “seller’s market” in terms of prices and a “tenant’s market” in terms of rents: prices will reach new highs amid cheaper mortgages and limited completions, while rents will stabilize due to increased supply.

If current trends continue, annual price growth is likely to slow down by the end of the year, but levels will remain high and housing supply will remain below pre-crisis levels.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/review-of-the-residential-real-estate-market-in-slovakia-in-the-first-half-of-2025/

 

, ,

Cabinet of Ministers approved voucher program of up to UAH 2 mln for IDPs who lost their homes in temporarily occupied territories

The Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution that will allow internally displaced persons who lived in the temporarily occupied territories to receive assistance of up to UAH 2 million to purchase a new home, according to the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development.

“We are launching a new support mechanism that will allow thousands of Ukrainians whose homes remain in the temporarily occupied territories to purchase their own homes. This is not just about housing — it is about regaining a sense of home, stability, and security. We already have agreements with international partners for $180 million. These are the first 3,700 families who will receive payments. We continue to work to ensure that every Ukrainian family affected by Russian aggression has access to state assistance,” said Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine — Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba.

The voucher will be provided as part of the expansion of the “eReconstruction” program developed by the Ministry of Development. The amount of assistance is up to UAH 2 million per person or family. The state will issue housing vouchers — electronic documents that will be stored in the State Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property.

The voucher can be used to purchase an apartment or house (or invest in its construction); pay the first installment or repay a mortgage.

Previously, internally displaced persons whose homes remained in the temporarily occupied territories could not take advantage of existing compensation programs. This was due to the inability to inspect the housing. Now, the state offers a separate form of support that allows them to purchase new homes in safer regions.

Initially, the program will be available to IDPs who have combatant status and persons with disabilities resulting from the war.

The program will start two months after the resolution is published. From then on, applications for assistance can be submitted through the “Dія” app, and later at administrative service centers or notaries. Verification will be carried out automatically through state registries. The application review period will be no more than 30 days.

Applications will be reviewed by commissions at local government bodies or military administrations.

The program may be financed from the state budget, international aid, loans and grants from partners, as well as possible reparations from the Russian Federation in the future.

It is specified that those who have other housing in the territory controlled by Ukraine (except for those where hostilities are taking place) or have already received monetary compensation or housing from the state will not be eligible for assistance under this program. Applications from persons who are under sanctions or have criminal records will also not be considered.

 

, , ,

Analysis of the Albanian housing market in first half of 2025

Relocation conducted an analysis of the Albanian housing market in the first half of 2025. In 2025, the market is moving towards normalization after an extremely turbulent period from 2022 to 2024. There are fewer building permits, the growth in construction costs has slowed down, prices in the capital have stabilized, and prices on the coast remain high. The share of deals involving foreigners is close to one in five for the half-year, based on the latest Bank of Albania survey (data for H2’2024), and their investments exceeded €380 million in 2024.

Building permits. In Q1 2025, 258 permits for new buildings were issued (-17% y/y). This is a sign of caution on the part of developers after record years and a factor that will restrain supply in 2025-2026 (we are awaiting data for Q2).

Construction costs. The housing construction cost index (INSTAT) rose by 1.0% y/y in Q1 2025, significantly slower than a year ago (3.4% y/y), which partially relieves price pressure from materials and labor.

Prices: capital vs. coast

  • Tirana. Local sources note price stabilization in early 2025 after strong growth in 2022–2024; the market Fisher index indicates that there has been no significant price increase in 2025 (in the long term — an increase of about 40% over 10 years).
  • Coast (Vlora/Saranda). The media reports that prices remain high and demand is strong, with double-digit growth in some locations until 2024 (most strongly in the prestigious coastal districts of Vlora). This is largely due to tourism and interest from non-residents.

According to the Bank of Albania (latest published market survey, H2’2024), about 18% of apartments sold in Albania were purchased by non-residents, of which ≈77% were EU citizens. This is an important benchmark for the first half of 2025: the share of foreigners remains significant, especially in coastal municipalities.

Mortgage loans finance a significant portion of transactions, but the share of cash purchases remains high in resort areas.

Rentals and profitability

  • Tirana. After peaking in 2023–2024, rental rates in the capital adjusted and stabilized in early 2025. (Consolidated market estimates: moderate decline/sideways movement with high occupancy rates.)
  • Coastal areas. In Vlora/Saranda, rental yields remain relatively high thanks to the tourist season; for one-bedroom apartments in Vlora in 2025, the benchmark is €300–500/month in the off-season (higher in summer), which supports investor interest in rental properties.

Foreign buyers

  • Total volume. In 2024, non-residents invested €380 million (+17% y/y) in Albanian real estate. This is the third year of consecutive growth; the trend for 2025 is for foreign activity to remain strong (official monthly breakdown by nationality for 2025 is not published).
  • Who is buying. The Bank of Albania confirms the dominance of EU citizens among foreigners; according to Albanian media and market reports, buyers from Italy, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the UK, as well as Middle Eastern and regional investors, remain highly interested, especially in coastal cities. (This is an assessment by the press/agencies; there is no official ranking by nationality.)

As for forecasts, supply will grow moderately. As for prices, there will be more stable dynamics in the capital and higher seasonal volatility on the coast. Demand from non-residents will remain strong, especially in coastal locations and rental projects.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analysis-of-the-housing-market-in-albania-in-the-first-half-of-2025/

 

,

Analysis of the Georgian residential real estate market in first half of 2025

Relocation.com.ua has prepared an analysis of the Georgian residential real estate market in the first half of 2025: prices are rising, demand is leveling off, and rents are cooling down.

In June, 3,236 apartment deals were registered in Tbilisi, which is +11% y/y (−2% m/m) — the first noticeable rebound after the sluggish spring months, according to TBC Capital. The average asking price in the city is $1,266/m² (+6% y/y), and the average rental rate is $10.6/m² (−12% y/y).

In Tbilisi, 15,865 deals worth $1.2 billion (+2.6% y/y) were registered in the first five months of 2025, with the average price on the primary market in May at $1,331/m² and rent at $9.3/m².

As for Batumi, 7,129 transactions were registered in Batumi in the first half of 2025 (+4.8% y/y), with a total market volume of $397 million (+16.1% y/y). Weighted average prices: new buildings $1,184/m² (+16.1%), secondary market $1,169/m² (+20%).

According to Galt & Taggart’s assessment, sales growth continued in the second quarter in both the primary and secondary markets; rental rates in June were +1.6% y/y, and yields remain high compared to “pyramids.”

Earlier it was reported that the average gross rental yield in Batumi remains at around 8.8% (end of winter 2025).

Prices across the country: double-digit growth in annual terms

According to the Geostat housing price index, in Q1 2025, housing prices in Georgia were +11.53% y/y (in real terms, adjusted for inflation — +7.78%).

Against the backdrop of the high base of previous years, the issuance of permits in Tbilisi in 5M25 declined moderately (by area −1.1% y/y), and in May, 25 permits were issued for ≈203 thousand m² (−18.3% y/y). This is holding back supply growth and supporting prices in the primary segment.

After peaking in 2022–2023, rents in Tbilisi stabilized and fell to $9.3–10.6/m² in May, depending on the source and observation period. Gross yields in Tbilisi remain around ~8–11%, which is comparable to yields in resort locations.

Foreign buyers: activity continues, with Israelis playing a notable role

Government agencies do not usually publish official monthly breakdowns by nationality. However, a Galt & Taggart survey of systemic developers (covering ≈45% of the primary market in Tbilisi) found that buyers from Israel accounted for 11% of all sales in 5M25. Demand from local and “regional” buyers (Russia, Ukraine, Middle Eastern countries) is also significant, but the shares vary from project to project.

Analysts expect moderate, “healthy” growth while maintaining attractive returns in resort locations (Batumi) and a gradual recovery in demand in the capital as rates and incomes stabilize. External demand will remain selective (investment apartments and lots for short-term rent).

http://relocation.com.ua/analysis-of-the-residential-real-estate-market-in-georgia-in-the-first-half-of-2025/

 

, ,

In Ukraine, there is growing demand among homebuyers for developers’ long-term installment plans

Installment plans with extended repayment terms offered by developers are in high demand among homebuyers and are an alternative to government mortgage programs, Ukrainian developers told Interfax-Ukraine.

“In 2024-2025, we are seeing growth in the share of customers who choose long-term interest-free installment plans from KAN Development. This is due to increased buyer confidence in the future, especially given the improved security situation in Kyiv. The eOselya and eVidnovuvannya programs have had a limited impact on our sales so far. Most customers choose other financial solutions, in particular our own programs,” said the KAN Development press service.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for longer installment plans, noted Irina Mikhaleva, SMO Alliance Novobud. In addition, developers are offering programs with reduced down payments.

“At the start of construction, we can offer longer installment plans—12, 24, or 36 months. This is because, as a rule, installment plans are provided until the project is commissioned. We also frequently receive requests from buyers to reduce the down payment, which can be anywhere from 10% to 50%,” said the expert.

The Kovalskaya Group’s internal installment plans offer a fixed price per square meter for up to five years with a down payment of 30% of the property value. According to the company, they take an individual approach to buyers’ needs.

“Installment plans have become more flexible: if a customer realizes that they will not be able to make monthly payments, we are open to dialogue and ready to work together to find a convenient solution. It is possible to agree on an individual schedule, for example, to extend the installment period, temporarily reduce the amount of payments with a subsequent return to standard payments, restructure the loan, or exchange the apartment for another of the same size or in another construction project,” explained the developer.

The company “RIEL” in the second launch complex of the capital’s Brother project offers buyers the opportunity to purchase housing in installments until the facility is put into operation in the second quarter of 2028, noted Alla Chipak, sales coordinator at “RIEL” in Lviv. In addition, in some residential complexes, the down payment has been reduced to 10% of the apartment price.

Given the popularity of the developer’s renovation option, Intergal-Bud also offers the possibility of paying for renovations in installments along with the apartment, said Anatoly Kovrizhenko, deputy commercial director of Intergal-Bud.

According to the DIM group of companies, developer lending programs with extended installment terms are an alternative to state mortgage programs with loan limits. The company has its own financial programs, under which the down payment is 30% of the cost of the property, and the installment period is up to five years.

In addition, DIM offers a long-term installment plan of up to 10 years.

“In early June, we launched a long-term installment plan in hryvnia for a period of 10 years, with the option of early repayment, price fixing in hryvnia, fixing the price per square meter in the contract, without linking it to the exchange rate or market price increases, with a fixed interest rate of 10% per annum in hryvnia and a down payment of 30%. It was planned to launch as a pilot project for two months, testing it in large residential complexes such as Metropolis, Lucky Land, and Park Lake City. However, we received quite a few inquiries from buyers, which turned into real deals, so we continued the program until the end of the summer,” said Alexander Nasirovsky, managing partner of DIM.

 

, , ,

Ukrainian citizens ranked fourth in terms of number of home purchases in Turkey in July 2025

In July 2025, Ukrainian citizens ranked fourth among foreign buyers of real estate in Turkey, according to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK).

Russian citizens were the leaders in terms of the number of properties purchased, with 315 transactions. In second place were Iranian citizens (152 transactions), followed by German citizens (135 transactions).

Ukrainians purchased 134 properties in July, which allowed them to take fourth place in the ranking.

Iraqi citizens closed out the top five with 120 transactions.

The top ten also included Azerbaijan (93 transactions), Kazakhstan (65 transactions), Saudi Arabia (64 transactions), Palestine (52 transactions), and China (51 transactions).

It should be noted that a month earlier, in June 2025, Ukrainian citizens ranked second in terms of the volume of housing purchases in Turkey, second only to Russians.

According to TÜİK, the Turkish real estate market continues to attract foreign buyers, but the distribution of leaders by nationality varies significantly from month to month depending on the tourist season, price fluctuations, and investment interests.

 

, ,