Reforms in Armenia’s Housing Assistance Program for Displaced Families from Nagorno-Karabakh

Reforms in the Housing Assistance Program for Displaced Families from Nagorno-Karabakh

In 2025, the Government of Armenia introduced several reforms in the state housing assistance program for forcibly displaced families from Nagorno-Karabakh. These reforms address concerns raised by beneficiaries during recent consultations, aiming to simplify the process and make the program more accessible and efficient.

Key Changes in the Housing Assistance Program for 2025

The reforms focus on increasing the program’s accessibility, providing better support for larger families, and adjusting the terms for mortgage assistance.

1. Expansion of the List of Eligible Settlements

• The list of settlements eligible for the program has been expanded.
• There are now 443 settlements across 39 communities, compared to the previous 148 settlements.
• These settlements are eligible for assistance up to 4 million AMD, as per Government Decision No. 710-L dated May 16, 2024.

2. Reduction in Area Threshold Per Family Member

• The threshold for the residential area per family member has been reduced by 3 square meters.
• Previously set at 12 square meters, it is now 9 square meters per person.
• This change will allow more families to qualify for housing assistance.

3. Simplified Regulations for Private House Construction

• Families opting to build a private residential house will benefit from more flexible conditions.
• The land area for construction will no longer have a maximum limit.
• The assistance amount has increased to 4 million AMD, compared to the previous 3 million AMD.

4. Changes in Property Ownership Requirements

• Property ownership must now be registered only in the names of adult family members.
• The mandatory registration of minors has been eliminated.
• This change aims to streamline the property registration process.

5. Extended Eligibility for Mortgage Assistance

• The program now covers mortgages issued between May 16 and December 31, 2024.
• Families with mortgages issued during this period can receive up to 3 million AMD per family member.

6. Additional Support for Families with Newborns

• Families who have children born after receiving or redeeming the housing certificate will still be eligible for additional support.
• Assistance for the newborn’s share can be used to:
  • Pay off the principal balance of the housing loan.
  • If no loan exists, the amount will be provided as a positive balance.

7. Accelerated Start Dates for Program Phases

• The start dates for the second and third phases have been moved forward by six months.
• Phase 2 (for families with two children) will begin on July 1, 2025, instead of January 1, 2026.
• Phase 3 (for families with one child) will start on July 1, 2026, instead of January 1, 2027.

Who Can Apply for the Program?

The program is available to:

1. Families forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, officially registered as beneficiaries.
2. Families with children, eligible for participation in the second and third phases of the program.
3. Families willing to co-finance at least 30% of the property value or secure an additional mortgage to cover the difference.

Application Procedure

Applications are being accepted online through the official platform:

https://housing.socservice.am/

Applicants need to provide proof of eligibility and supporting documentation. The platform offers detailed guidance and customer support for the application process.