The Impact of Housing Reform in Ukraine on Providing Housing for Military Personnel: Analysis of Changes and a Modeling Option for Public-Private Partnership

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the systemic changes in Ukraine’s housing policy introduced by the Law of Ukraine “On the Basic Principles of Housing Policy” (No. 4751-IX, January 13, 2026), assess their impact on the housing provision system for servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and evaluate the effectiveness of a modeled public–private partnership in the form of state leasing of housing by the Ministry of Defense to reduce the housing queue.

Method. Comparative legal analysis of regulatory acts, mathematical modeling, as well as methods of synthesis, induction, deduction, and comparison.

Findings. The study establishes that the new law defines strategic directions of housing policy; however, most mechanisms require further specification through secondary legislation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The analysis of amendments to Article 12 of the Law of Ukraine “On Social and Legal Protection of Servicemen and Their Families” shows the absence of fundamentally new forms of housing provision, except for the introduction of the right to social housing. At the same time, existing mechanisms (service housing, ownership transfer, preferential lending, and compensation) have been clarified and adapted to the abolition of the Housing Code of Ukraine, which necessitates updating the secondary regulatory framework. The modeling of a public–private partnership demonstrates that a leasing model can increase housing provision volumes by 3–4 times in the first year; however, it creates long-term fiscal burdens and reduces housing acquisition rates in subsequent years.

Theoretical implications. The study contributes to the development of housing policy theory under conditions of martial law and European integration.

Practical implications. The results can be used to improve mechanisms for housing provision for servicemen.

Originality. A comprehensive post-reform analysis is provided, incorporating economic modeling of a leasing-based public–private partnership.

Limitations and future research. The analysis is limited to the legislative framework as of March 2026; further research should focus on empirical monitoring of implementation and the development of alternative partnership models.

Paper type. Theoretical and applied.