Deferred demand and focus on security: what a survey on Ukrainians’ plans to buy housing in 2026 revealed
19 January 21:31
In 2026, almost one in four Ukrainians plans to purchase real estate, but the decision to buy a home increasingly depends not only on prices, but also on security and economic factors. This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the OLX Real Estate platform at the end of 2025, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
How many Ukrainians plan to buy housing
According to the survey, 23% of respondents plan to purchase real estate in 2026. Another 31% are considering a purchase in the longer term — within the next five years. At the same time, almost half of those surveyed (46%) are not currently planning any purchases.
Overall, 54% of Ukrainians said they intend to buy housing in 2026 or in the medium term. The main motive is to improve living conditions.
How Ukrainians live now
As of the end of 2025, 41% of respondents live in their own separate homes. Another 19% live with their parents or relatives, and the same percentage rent their own homes. 12% live with a partner or friends, and 3% live in dormitories.
Most respondents (69%) do not plan to change the status of their property. At the same time, 17% intend to sell their home, and 14% intend to rent it out.
Why people buy real estate
Among those who plan to buy, 43% cited the desire to improve their living conditions as the main reason. Another 22% link their decision to moving or a change in family status. Almost one in five (19%) view real estate as an investment or a way to save money.
Access to financing remains a separate factor: 19% are focused on credit or mortgage programs, and 5% plan to purchase housing for business development.
Budget and the role of “єОселі”
The financial capabilities of Ukrainians remain limited. 42% of respondents plan to spend up to $30,000 on housing, and another 39% plan to spend between $30,000 and $60,000. Only 19% are considering budgets of more than $60,000.
Slightly more than a third of respondents (32%) are open to using loans. Almost as many (31%) are ready to take advantage of the state program “єОселя,” while 31% plan to buy housing exclusively with their own funds.
What kind of housing do they choose and where
The vast majority of respondents (93%) plan to buy residential real estate — apartments or houses. The secondary market remains the most popular, chosen by 48% of respondents. New buildings that have been commissioned are of interest to 18%, and properties under construction — only 7%.
Most often, Ukrainians consider buying housing in the Kyiv region (35%). Next are Lviv (14%), Odesa (10%), Ivano-Frankivsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions (9% each). The least interest was recorded in the frontline regions.
Security and economy as key factors
For more than half of those surveyed (51%), the decisive factor is the stability of their income and economic forecasts. The cost of real estate is important for 41%, and the situation on the front line and general security risks are important for 40% of respondents.
Economic uncertainty is forcing 41% of Ukrainians to postpone buying a home. At the same time, 23% plan to buy real estate earlier, fearing further price increases.
Respondents pay particular attention to the autonomy and security of housing. For most, pedestrian accessibility to infrastructure, autonomous heating, backup water and electricity supply systems, and the availability of shelters are important.
