This was reported by RBK-Ukraine based on insights from OLX Real Estate analysts. The information comes from Kontrakty.UA.
What Motivates Ukrainians to Search for Housing
The primary reason for purchasing housing remains the desire to change living conditions—this response was chosen by 47% of respondents in 2024, which is only 1% lower than the previous year.
Among the key changes:
- decreased interest in larger housing—20% in 2024 compared to 23% in 2023
- the desire to improve living standards has also decreased from 21% to 19%
- increased interest in smaller housing—up from 7% to 9%
The search for housing in different city areas remains stable—9% in 2024 (10% in 2023).
45% of those surveyed indicated a desire to live separately, which is a slight increase from last year (44%).
However, some aspects of this driver have diminished:
- the desire to live separately from parents—14% (16% in 2023)
- the need for separate housing for children—11% (12% in 2023)
- the aspiration to live separately with a partner—10% (13% in 2023)
19% of buyers are motivated by other needs, which is 2% more than last year. The most common specified response was interest in the real estate market—16% (13% in 2023).
Investment in real estate is gradually taking a back seat—18% in 2024 compared to 21% in 2023. Specifically, investments aimed at earning from rental or resale have decreased to 11% (12% in 2023). Investments without a profit plan stand at 10% (11% in 2023).
Motives for relocation due to work remain stable—8% in 2024.
Military reasons, such as housing destruction or the need to change residence, have increased to 7% in 2024 (6% in 2023).
Trends in the Real Estate Market
The research shows that Ukrainians increasingly value practicality and are adapting to new realities. Buyers are focusing on housing that provides optimal conditions at a reasonable price, while investments are yielding to the pursuit of personal comfort.
For developers and realtors, these trends serve as important signals. Emphasizing convenience, transparent purchasing conditions, and adapting offerings to client requests will contribute to increased activity in the real estate market.
It is worth noting that in 2024, Ukrainians secured mortgage loans for a record amount, surpassing even pre-war figures from 2021. These results were achieved thanks to government programs that provide opportunities to purchase housing under favorable conditions. For more details on how to obtain a mortgage for housing—check out the article by RBK-Ukraine.
RBK-Ukraine also reported on where the cheapest housing in Ukraine is. The most significant price reductions for real estate have been observed in regions located near the front line or frequently subjected to Russian shelling. Over the past six months, housing prices in these areas have decreased by 7-13%.