1. Historical Underground City: Beneath Kyiv lies a vast network of catacombs known as the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra or the Caves Monastery. This underground city dates back to the 11th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing intricate tunnels, chapels, and the mummified remains of monks. 2. Home of the First Metropolitan: Kyiv was the birthplace of the first Metropolitan of Kyiv, St. Cyril, who was instrumental in the development of the Cyrillic alphabet. This makes the city a significant historical center for Slavic culture and literacy. 3. Unique Coffee Culture: Unlike many cities, Kyiv has a unique coffee culture, where the practice of "coffee on the go" is less common. Instead, locals often prefer to enjoy their coffee in cozy cafes, taking time to relax and socialize, reflecting the city's slower-paced lifestyle amidst its bustling environment.
The housing market in Kyiv has been significantly impacted by the ongoing war with Russia. As of 2023, prices in the secondary market had fallen by 6.11% year-over-year, with the average price per square meter at approximately €1,020. However, in 2024, prices in the primary market are expected to increase by 15% due to rising construction costs, while demand remains low. The total housing stock in Kyiv was approximately 63.5 million square meters as of 2016, the most recent available data. Exact figures for rental versus ownership rates are not provided, but renting is common, especially among younger residents and newcomers to the city. Recent data shows that renting a one-bedroom apartment in Kyiv can consume up to 76% of a sales assistant's salary or 52% of a driver's salary, indicating high rental costs relative to incomes. The city government is actively involved in addressing housing needs, allocating over €27 million in 2023 for purchasing housing for those on waiting lists, including combatants, their families, and internally displaced persons. Additionally, the Ukrainian government, with support from international organizations, is working to create affordable housing for internally displaced people, with a current portfolio of €170 million dedicated to this effort.
The city administration of Kyiv is actively addressing housing issues through various initiatives and programs. The Integrated Development Concept for the Podil District of Kyiv until 2030, adopted by the Kyiv City Council in 2022, includes a focus on social housing and aims to promote social justice in housing. Kyiv has joined the EBRD "Green City" program, which includes measures to improve energy efficiency and low-carbon district heating. This program aims to attract about 2.5 billion euros for implementation, including investments in sustainable transport, energy efficiency, and water management. The city is also working on implementing the new national housing policy, which includes the creation of a Unified Information and Analytical System to increase transparency and minimize corruption risks in housing allocation. This system will analyze data such as income levels and social status to offer the best housing options for residents. Kyiv is focusing on developing affordable housing options, including social housing and financial mechanisms like preferential mortgages and housing cooperatives. The city is also planning to abolish housing privatization to maintain and grow the social housing fund. Additionally, Kyiv is participating in projects to provide housing for internally displaced persons, with plans for both new construction and renovation of existing housing units. These initiatives aim to create modern, affordable, and energy-efficient housing options for vulnerable populations in the city.