Rent prices in western Ukraine have skyrocketed: in Uzhhorod, prices have reached $3,500

The rental housing market in western Ukraine is entering the off-season with high demand and rising prices. This is most evident in Uzhhorod, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk, where supply cannot keep up with the number of people looking to rent.

According to LUN, over the past year, rent for a one-bedroom apartment has risen by 41% in Uzhhorod, 33% in Lviv, and 43% in Ivano-Frankivsk. At the same time, the number of available apartments in the most sought-after cities remains limited.

The situation is particularly acute in Uzhhorod. According to OLX, the number of responses to listings for one-bedroom apartments there has increased by 143%, and for three-bedroom apartments—by 173%. Meanwhile, the supply of one-bedroom housing has decreased by 58%.

Currently, renovated apartments in new buildings in Uzhhorod are often rented for 50,000–60,000 hryvnias per month. More than 60% of listings on Otodim start at $1,000, and some premium-class apartments cost up to $3,500 per month.

For those moving for just a few months, finding housing is even more difficult. Landlords primarily focus on long-term leases, and additional requirements—such as those regarding pets—further narrow the options.

On top of the rent, there are also realtor commissions, security deposits, and costs for furnishing the apartment. As a result, more and more people are considering alternatives to traditional rentals, such as hotels and complexes that offer stays for a month or longer.

Against this backdrop, a significant drop in rental rates in western Ukraine is not expected in the near future: demand remains high, while supply is growing more slowly.

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