On June 27, 2024, the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), initiated by the European Business Association, presented the results of the study “Structural Changes and Challenges in Ukraine’s Construction Industry: Analysis and Forecasts.” This study assesses the pre-war state of the construction sector and the impact of the full-scale invasion on it. Specifically, analysts examine the level of destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure and identify the necessary materials for its reconstruction.

According to the World Bank, the total cost of rebuilding and recovery in Ukraine amounts to $486 billion. To restore part of the infrastructure mentioned in World Bank reports, approximately $65 billion is needed solely for building materials. At the same time, the vast majority of the necessary building materials can be produced in Ukraine, which will help reduce costs, create new jobs, and increase state budget revenues.

Experts note that over 90% of the necessary building materials can be produced in Ukraine. Among the most important materials for reconstruction are cement, concrete, metal structures, bricks, glass, and thermal insulation materials. This will promote the development of domestic production capacities, which in turn will create additional jobs and support the economy.

“Current investments are crucial, but additional billions are needed to restore Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy. It should be noted that investments, in particular, will contribute to the development of domestic production capacities, creating new jobs and supporting the economy,” said Maksym Nefyodov, Director of Innovative Solutions at the KSE Institute.

Restoring infrastructure requires significant investments. In particular, the CRH group, one of the largest building materials manufacturers, has already invested $80 million in Ukraine’s construction sector during the full-scale invasion. The Irish company Kingspan plans to invest $300 million in the “Sírsa” project (Irish for Freedom), which involves the construction of a production campus in western Ukraine by 2026.

Ukrainian businesses are also actively investing in the construction sector. The development company City One Development has started building a glass factory in the Kyiv region, valued at €100 million. This is the only similar project in Ukraine after the previous plant was destroyed in 2014.

The study by the Kyiv School of Economics emphasizes the importance of rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure and the need for significant investments in this process. The use of domestic building materials, support for local producers, and attracting international investors are key elements for the successful recovery of the country.

The DOMOVA platform plays an important role in this process, offering unique solutions for uniting property owners and attracting investments. This will contribute to the development of the Ukrainian economy, the creation of new jobs, and the restoration of the housing stock.

After February 24, 2022, the investment climate in Ukraine underwent significant changes due to military aggression by the Russian Federation, leading to the emergence of new challenges for foreign investors. The war has become a serious obstacle to potential investments for several reasons. On the one hand, the presence of active military actions in the country evokes associations with high uncertainty and the risk of losing invested funds among international investors. On the other hand, the lack of a system to insure such war risks makes the investment environment less attractive for conducting and developing business in Ukraine.

With the aim of creating favorable conditions for attracting investments to Ukraine and stimulating the economic development of regions, the Parliament adopted the Law of Ukraine “On State Support of Investment Projects with Significant Investments in Ukraine”, amended and adapted to the conditions of martial law. The main task of the Law is to stimulate the attraction of strategic investors to the national economy by providing state support for large investment projects. Furthermore, from 2024, the Law concerning the insurance of investments in Ukraine against war risks has come into effect.

Restoration of investment demand

Nevertheless, the uncertainty caused by both the war in the country and market factors does not stop the development of the real estate sector. On the contrary, the sector adapts, considering new trends and consumer needs. A number of well-known advantages of investing in real estate, such as – predictable rental income, the tendency for asset values to increase, protection against inflation, and the growth of family capital, – are precisely the factors that have been effectively working for centuries.

At the start of 2024, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) reports that Ukrainians possess 764 billion hryvnias in cash, equating to nearly $20 billion in USD. And this is about savings only in hryvnia, which, by various estimates, make up a third of all savings – cash in dollars/euros, foreign currency deposits, government securities, that is, domestic government loan bonds in currency. According to the latest calculations by the NBU, this is more than $100 billion.

Despite the reduced investment demand compared to the pre-war years, the real estate sector is experiencing positive shifts, especially in the primary market. However, there are certain “buts,” including the washing out of liquid concepts of residential complexes (RC) and issues with construction dynamics.

The stability of investments in real estate also depends on the political and social conditions in the country. Government programs for the restoration of infrastructure and housing, such as eVidnovlenya and eOselya, the legislative base, as well as support for foreign investments, can serve as additional stimuli for the growth of the sector.

Demand for diversification and innovation

The demand for diversified real estate formats is growing. Apart-hotel formats managed by experienced operators are becoming increasingly popular, offering investors profitable business models with a service component. Such a product meets the needs for passive income and access to a comfortable life in a complex.

Current trends indicate a shift in consumer preferences. There is a growing demand for residential complexes with developed infrastructure, high levels of service, and environmental standards. This leads to an increased interest in investments in projects that meet modern requirements for sustainable development and comfort.

Diversity of investment opportunities

The real estate market offers a wide range of opportunities for investment: from purchasing apartments in new buildings to investing in commercial real estate and land plots. In conditions of volatility and uncertainty, long-term investments can offer more stable and predictable returns. This is particularly relevant for the real estate market, where prices can increase over time.

Diversification, quality of life, and innovative formats will be key factors that will determine the success of real estate investments in the near future. Investing in real estate remains an attractive option for preserving and increasing capital, adapting to changing conditions and market needs.