Housing Stock and Management Assessment of Multi-Apartment Buildings in the Western Region of Ukraine

In July 2025, Habitat for Humanity Ukraine, in partnership with the Center of Local Government Studies, released an in-depth assessment of 300 multi-apartment buildings across Lviv, Zakarpattia, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts in western Ukraine.

This research examined the energy efficiency of buildings, compliance with modern thermal standards, and the overall condition of housing infrastructure and management systems. It also analyzed the role and capacity of Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in maintaining and renovating buildings, as well as potential solutions for modernization, including local co-financing mechanisms and opportunities for donor and private sector engagement.

Key findings highlight, among other insights, that

• most of the housing stock is aging Soviet-era construction in need of basic repairs and insulation, since only about 4% of buildings are fully insulated, while around 75% have no insulation at all;
• there is a major energy efficiency gap, with over 90% of facades and foundations not meeting modern thermal standards, which drives heat loss and household energy costs;
• although around 85% of buildings are managed by HOAs and many have repair funds, their financial capacity varies widely, so external co-financing from municipalities, donors, and the private sector is essential to carry out urgent works.

These findings are particularly relevant during the ongoing war, when western regions host more displaced people and local budgets are redirected to urgent needs, leaving less funding for housing upgrades. The research outlines practical ways to prioritize building improvements and shows how cooperation between HOAs, cities and external partners can help launch repairs and energy-efficiency measures even with limited public funds.

Overall, the report confirms that investing in energy efficiency, essential repairs and stronger HOA governance is key to keeping Soviet-era housing safe, affordable and more resilient in Ukraine.