The procedure for providing state support to improve housing conditions in Kazakhstan has changed. The new rules determine how housing from the municipal housing stock and apartments rented by local authorities will be distributed, as well as the quotas that will apply when accepting applications for subsidized mortgages.
Priority Given to Orphans and Socially Vulnerable Groups
Under the new rules, at least 20% of the total housing stock must be allocated to orphans and children left without parental care.
Another at least 50% will be allocated to socially vulnerable categories of citizens. These include World War II veterans, veterans of military operations in other countries, people with Group I and II disabilities, families raising children with disabilities, widows, mothers and families with many children, as well as citizens who have a person with a disability among their family members.
If the number of applicants from these categories decreases or they fail to meet the established requirements, the remaining housing will be allocated to other citizens on the waiting list at the Housing Provision Center or in the unified national database.
Family Income Will Also Be Taken into Account
The new rules also clarify income requirements for housing applicants. The average per capita family income over the previous six months must not exceed:
- for families of three or more people — twice the subsistence minimum;
- for two-person families — 3.5 times the subsistence minimum;
- for single citizens — 5.5 times the subsistence minimum.
The absence of income is also taken into account.
When housing is provided, income earned by citizens and their family members from employment and entrepreneurial activities within Kazakhstan will be taken into consideration.
Quotas Will Also Apply to Subsidized Mortgages
The 20% and 50% quotas will also apply to subsidized mortgage loans provided through the Otbasy Bank system. Applications will be distributed automatically through an information system.
To qualify for a 2% annual subsidized mortgage, the applicant’s average per capita income from employment or entrepreneurial activity over the previous six months must not exceed five subsistence minimums.
Citizens who are on the housing waiting list and have official income from employment or entrepreneurial activity in Kazakhstan will be eligible to participate in 5% and 7% annual mortgage programs.
The new rules will come into force 10 calendar days after the order is officially published.
It should also be noted that housing under the “2-10-20” and “5-10-20” programs is built by local authorities, while apartments are distributed through the Baspana Market portal.