A survey reveals that Ukrainians are willing to return to occupied areas due to unresolved housing issues.

The government is not making every possible effort to ensure that internally displaced persons (IDPs) return to the territories controlled by Ukraine. This is the opinion of more than half of Ukrainians, as the return of these forced migrants is crucial for the growth of human capital, which in turn supports the economy and even the victory of Ukraine.

This information is reported by RBK-Ukraine, referencing a statement from the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on State Governance, Local Self-Government, Regional Development, and Urban Planning, Elena Shulyak.

According to her, when asked "Is the government doing enough to facilitate the return of IDPs to the territories controlled by Ukrainian authorities?" only 2.2% of respondents believe it is doing everything possible and even more, 5.4% think it is quite sufficient, and 12.6% say it is rather sufficient. Meanwhile, 34.9% responded that it is rather insufficient, 22.8% stated it is categorically insufficient, and 9.9% believe the government is hindering the return. Additionally, 12.4% of respondents found it difficult to answer.

Almost half of the Ukrainians who left the country to escape the war currently do not plan to return to Ukraine, hence their reintegration process will be challenging. The decisive factors for the return of forced emigrants include safety, availability of housing, job opportunities, and the functioning of governmental institutions—such as a clear and transparent judicial system, protection of property rights, etc.

Shulyak also explained that it is crucial to assist in the return of displaced persons whose destroyed or damaged homes are under temporary occupation. According to her, about 70% of surveyed Ukrainians point to such cases.

Therefore, she stated that it is important for Ukraine to continue and expand, in particular, the "eRecovery" program, as well as to make the "eHome" mortgage program more accessible. Additionally, there is a need to create an effective housing policy that allows every Ukrainian to resolve their housing issues.

"It is now essential to expand the eRecovery program for homes that are under temporary occupation. This will enable the owners of such properties to settle in Ukraine. Occupiers exploit the government's indecision, promising these citizens compensation if they return. However, this typically remains just a promise," the parliamentarian reported.

She also added that the government should modify the conditions for IDPs participating in the "eHome" subsidized mortgage program. The interest rate for them should be reduced from 7% to 3%, and the down payment should be lowered to 15% instead of the current 20% required.

"The recent change—an increase in the age of housing that can be purchased through 'eHome'—was initiated by us based on the results of public consultations on improving housing legislation. However, the Cabinet has not yet heeded our other two recommendations, which are aimed at lowering the interest rate and the down payment amount," the MP emphasized.

Nonetheless, among the recent changes, there was a reduction in the down payment for young people under 25 years of age—from 20% to 10%. Additionally, starting from December 18, housing for internally displaced persons can be purchased by their close relatives: spouses, parents, or children. However, this is still at a 7% interest rate.