The right to privatize housing in Ukraine: conditions, procedure, terms

Since 1992, citizens of Ukraine have been able to transfer the apartments or houses they occupy from the state or municipal housing stock into private ownership free of charge. Over more than thirty years, this opportunity has allowed millions of families to obtain a real property asset instead of merely having tenant status. Today this procedure remains in force, although new housing-policy concepts are already being considered by parliamentary committees. Until they are adopted, the classic privatization mechanism continues to apply, as established by Law of Ukraine No. 2482-XII, the Civil Code of Ukraine, and a number of subordinate regulations.

What the right to privatization is

Definition and significance

The right to privatization is a one-time opportunity to acquire, free of charge, ownership of a dwelling (an apartment, a house, or a room) that is in state or municipal ownership, provided that the person actually resides there on the basis of a housing warrant (allocation order) or a decision of a local self-government body. Once the procedure is completed, the owner has full rights to dispose of the property: to sell it, gift it, bequeath it, or pledge it. Changing the legal status also releases the person from social tenancy obligations—in particular, the need to renew tenancy documents and to pay increased rent.

Regulatory framework

Housing privatization is a mechanism for implementing citizens’ constitutional right to housing and a means of social protection, including in matters related to pension provision. The procedure is set out in the following legal acts:

• The Law of Ukraine “On Privatization of the State Housing Fund” No. 2482-XII dated 19 June 1992;
• Articles 5–6 of that Law—regarding free-of-charge area standards and housing that is not subject to privatization;
• Article 345 of the Civil Code of Ukraine—regarding grounds for acquiring ownership;
• Article 41 of the Constitution of Ukraine—guaranteeing the right to private property;
• Cabinet of Ministers resolutions (including those on BTI operations, e-services, and the issuance/use of housing vouchers).

Since 2024, the government has supplemented these acts with provisions allowing documents to be submitted electronically via the Diia portal.

Who is entitled to privatization

Residents of state/municipal housing with a housing warrant (order)

The main requirement is the existence of a housing warrant (allocation order) or an equivalent executive-committee decision. If the original has been lost, a duplicate, an archival copy, or a court decision may be used. Supreme Court case law in 2024–2025 indicates that such documents can be accepted as valid evidence. Before filing, it is advisable to verify the status of the warrant with the municipal housing authority (housing department). If needed, it can be restored through a CNAP (Administrative Service Center) or online via the Diia portal.

Preferential categories (Chornobyl victims, veterans, IDPs)

The right to privatization is universal; however, preferential categories have additional safeguards: combatants, persons with disabilities as a result of war, persons affected by the Chornobyl disaster, internally displaced persons (IDPs), large families, and orphans. In 2025, a Ministry of Veterans Affairs program is in force that may fully cover the additional payment for “excess” square meters.

In some communities, a simplified procedure is provided for preferential categories—priority review of applications and a reduced set of documents.

Personal nature of the right; it is not inheritable

The right to privatization is personal and applies only during the person’s lifetime. Heirs cannot exercise this right if the tenant dies before the procedure is completed. If the family composition is changing, it is advisable to complete privatization before someone is deregistered from the address. The right cannot be transferred to other persons or completed on someone else’s behalf.

Conditions, area standards, benefits

Standards: 21 m² + 10 m²

The free-of-charge area standard is 21 m² per each registered resident + 10 m² per family. Any excess area must be purchased at the residual value determined by the BTI. For older housing (such as “Khrushchyovka” buildings), this amount is usually small. The area is fixed as of the application date and is not recalculated if the family composition changes later.

Some communities provide additional local benefits—these should be clarified at the CNAP.

Category-based benefits (exemptions, co-payments, vouchers)

Persons with Group I disability and families of fallen servicemembers are fully exempt from buying out additional square meters. Housing vouchers can cover up to 50% of the additional payment. In some cities (Lviv, Poltava, Chernivtsi), local co-financing programs are available for IDPs and large families.

Documents for benefits should be submitted no later than 10 days before the application-acceptance deadline.

Documents required for privatization

Application, passport, TIN, technical passport, housing warrant (order)

The process starts with an application in the prescribed form. The following are attached:

• copies of passports/ID documents and taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) of all adult residents;
• the original (or a duplicate) of the housing warrant (allocation order);
• a technical passport issued no more than 12 months earlier.

When filing electronically, scanned copies are uploaded via Diia, but the originals must be provided when signing the agreement.

Certificates: family composition, vouchers, consent of family members

A Form No. 3 certificate confirms the composition of registered persons. Adult family members must provide written consent to participate or a written refusal, and for children—permission from the guardianship authority. If benefits are used, relevant IDs, certificates, or housing vouchers are attached. All certificates must be issued no earlier than three months before submission.

Procedure and timelines

Where and how to file

Documents may be submitted:

• in person to a CNAP (Administrative Service Center);
• by mail with an inventory of enclosures;
• through an authorized representative (with a notarized power of attorney);
• online via the Diia cabinet (using a qualified electronic signature (QES) or BankID).

After registration, an individual reference number is issued.

Decision within 30 days; registration in the State Register

The authority issues a decision within 30 calendar days. A positive decision is grounds for issuing an ownership certificate (or other ownership document) with simultaneous registration in the State Register of Real Property Rights. If additional documents are required, the applicant must be notified no later than five days before the 30-day deadline expires. A refusal may be appealed administratively or in court.

Restrictions and exclusions

One-time privatization

Free-of-charge privatization is available only once for each citizen. Even a minimal share in an apartment is considered use of this right. The information is recorded in the state register.

Not subject to privatization: emergency housing, service housing

The following are not subject to privatization:

• emergency (unsafe) buildings;
• service housing;
• dormitories of defense facilities;
• property located in the Chornobyl exclusion zone;
• housing under arrest (seizure).

Local authorities publish updated lists of such properties each year.

Court practice

Disputes about warrants, refusals, inheritance

Court practice in 2023–2025 supports tenants in disputes involving:

• loss/absence of the original housing warrant (allocation order);
• a change of the balance-holder (property manager);
• actual residence of heirs.

Example: Summary of a decision (Dnipro District Court of Kyiv, case No. 755/11497/24, decision dated 04 December 2024): The court upheld the claim of PERSON_1 and PERSON_2 against the Kyiv City Council and granted them an additional three-month period from the date the decision entered into legal force to file an application for acceptance of the inheritance after their mother’s death. The claimants substantiated the missed deadline with valid reasons: being abroad, difficulties obtaining a death certificate in Germany, family circumstances, preparation of translations and apostilles, and organizing the funeral. The court found these circumstances sufficient to renew the term under Part 3 of Article 1270 of the Civil Code of Ukraine.

Privatization during martial law

Specifics of time limits, benefits, documents

Martial law has not cancelled the privatization procedure, but some time limits have effectively been extended due to archive evacuations and delays in e-services. It is permitted to submit electronic copies of technical passports and to obtain duplicates online. Veterans and IDPs are entitled to priority review. If a building has been destroyed, monetary compensation may be available instead of privatization.

FAQ

Is it possible to privatize without a housing warrant (order)?

Yes—through court, by proving the fact of lawful use/occupancy. After the legal fact is established, the authority issues a new warrant.

How do you prove the personal right?

List of documents:

• a certificate of registration prior to 1996;
• copies of the warrant, archival extracts, receipts, neighbors’ statements;
• housing-office (ZhEK) certificates and letters on utility charges.

Is the right inheritable?

No. The right to free-of-charge privatization terminates upon the person’s death. Heirs may formalize the housing only on general grounds.

Legal assistance

The «Pravovyi Lider» team provides free initial consultations (online, by phone, or at offices in Kyiv and Vinnytsia) and supports clients across Ukraine.

We help to:

• restore housing warrants, certificates, and technical passports;
• prepare documents for submission to the CNAP or the privatization authority;
• draft complaints or lawsuits in case of refusal;
• register ownership in the State Register;
• protect clients’ interests in negotiations and in court.