Housing affordability has deteriorated. More than a thousand rental flats will be added in Slovakia

The previous government had already talked about the construction of rental flats. The Sme rodinina movement promised to build up to 25 thousand of them annually.

Those interested have applied for a financial contribution

However, the reality is that not a single state rental flat has been built during the last two cabinet terms. The new government has shifted the agenda to the transport ministry. Those interested had until the end of August to apply to the Housing Development Fund for a financial contribution.

"To date, applicants from the ranks of local governments and legal entities have submitted a total of 108 applications for the acquisition of rental flats together with the associated technical equipment or the purchase of land for more than 85 million euros," said Kristína Starosta, spokeswoman for the State Housing Development Fund.

Exception after exception

According to the Fund's calculations, approximately 1,200 rental flats should grow in Slovakia. New housing could also attract shortage professions to the regions. Local governments have proposed to the Ministry of Transport to introduce an exception, for example, ten percent of the capacity of a new rental apartment building would be reserved for these people.

"There would be some room for maybe three years to find a doctor, a female doctor, a police officer, a paediatrician for that apartment," says Jozef Božik, chairman of the Association of Towns and Municipalities.

Apartment for a symbolic amount

Cities and municipalities also point out that the state should focus on old abandoned buildings in addition to the construction of new housing. For example, some coastal countries provide those interested in reconstruction with such family houses at a symbolic price. The affordability of housing in Slovakia has been deteriorating in recent years. This is mainly due to expensive real estate and high mortgages.

Construction is hampered by an outdated building law

"The National Bank of Slovakia has also been tightening the conditions for those who want to take out a mortgage. This means that the group of people who want to buy an apartment is decreasing," said Slavomír Frešo, an analyst at investment group Proxenta.

The construction of rental flats is also hampered by the outdated construction law, which is awaiting changes. These should significantly speed up the permitting processes for development projects.