Ukraine faces unprecedented housing crisis: Over 236,000 buildings destroyed or damaged

In its new report, the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) calls the situation in Ukraine an “unprecedented housing crisis.” Experts say massive destruction and displacement have created a severe shortage of affordable housing for both IDPs (internally displaced persons) and residents returning to shattered communities.

Ukrinform reported this.

IOM reports that over 236,000 buildings have been destroyed or damaged since the full-scale invasion, while more than 2.5 million homes are now inaccessible. The crisis is worsened by scarce municipal housing, an unregulated rental market, and large-scale displacement of people escaping the war.

Around 10.6 million Ukrainians — almost a quarter of the country’s pre-war population — have been forced from their homes, with most leaving the country. Among the 3.7 million IDPs still in Ukraine, two-thirds face difficulties paying rent. The report notes that many families have drained their savings, as displacement forces them to spend 50% or more of their income just on housing.

IOM stresses that providing housing for millions of displaced Ukrainians remains a priority during the ongoing war.

“IOM works to support IDPs and the communities that host them in building a sustainable future, including training, employment opportunities, and stable housing,” said Robert Turner, head of IOM’s mission in Ukraine.