Uzbekistan's President Signs Decree to Accelerate Housing Construction and Expand Mortgage Access

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree aimed at accelerating housing construction and expanding mortgage access, particularly for self-employed citizens. The document, titled "On the effective organization of multi-apartment building construction and acceleration of work to provide housing for the population," was signed on February 24.

The decree is designed to stimulate residential construction and create conditions for citizens to realize their right to housing. A key objective is ensuring that the supply in the real estate market increases proportionally with growing demand.

One of the central goals outlined is reducing the investment-construction period for housing by 1.5 times. This reduction will account for all procedures, from land allocation to obtaining necessary permits.

Projects meeting selection criteria for new territories within "New Uzbekistan" residential complexes in Karakalpakstan and other regions will receive a corresponding status. Such projects will benefit from existing procedures and funding sources established for developments in this category.

The decree also mandates the widespread use of modern technologies in infrastructure development. Specifically, road transport projects within "New Uzbekistan" complexes will incorporate devices powered by renewable energy, energy-saving equipment, and alternative heating systems. The goal is to create a "green" transport environment in these areas.

Furthermore, drawing on the experience of companies like Tashkent Invest and Samarqand Invest, investment companies will be established in all regions. These entities are intended to act as a bridge between businesses and government bodies.

The process for obtaining mortgage subsidies will be streamlined through automation. Applications submitted via the subsidiya.idm.uz system will be automatically checked against social criteria, eliminating human error from the review process.

A significant change takes effect on April 1: self-employed citizens will gain access to state-funded mortgage loans on equal terms with those who have official income. The condition is voluntary payment of social tax for the previous year. Starting in 2027, this tax payment requirement will extend to a two-year period, and from 2028, it will cover three years.