New limits and restrictions: how the terms of the “eOselia” program will change in 2026

A number of changes to the state mortgage program “eOselia” took effect at the beginning of the year. Another part of the changes will apply from February 9. “Ukrfinzhytlo” says the program has been expanded while reducing the risks of manipulation. The main changes concern the introduction of limits on the maximum area and price of housing purchased under the program.

The new limits have narrowed the choice almost to zero

Under the “eOselia” program, limits on the maximum size of housing and on possible excesses over those limits are being introduced from February 9. However, according to users , banks have already begun to rely on the new rules when reviewing applications to participate in the program, which have narrowed the choice of apartments effectively to zero.

The limits are as follows:

• area limit for 1-2 people — 52.5 m²for apartments and 62.5 m² for houses + 21 m² for each additional family member;
• the maximum size of housing that can be purchased under the program is 115.5 m²for apartments and 125.5 m² for houses, regardless of the number of family members;
• the price of housing, the price per square meter and the housing area may not exceed the norms by more than 10%, and if the housing is more than three years old, exceeding the standard area is not allowed.

Previously, the terms of the program provided for a limit of 52.5 m² for an apartment for one person, so a couple or a mother with a child could count on a larger area. Now, however, a family of two can apply to buy only a small apartment. As for private houses, such a small one cannot be found at all.

Another problem is that previously there was no such strict limit on exceeding the area or price norms, and the applicant could pay for the excess out of their own pocket. Now this option is practically unavailable, meaning that even if a person can cover 20–30% of the area/price of the apartment on their own in addition to the down payment, this is prohibited.

What Ukrfinzhytlo says

The operator of the “eOselia” program says the changes were needed in order to take the risks into account and narrow the opportunities for manipulating the program.

“It will be impossible to purchase an apartment that is too large or too expensive. The restrictions strengthen the targeting of the program and its social mission, supporting those who truly need help”, – say at Ukrfinzhytlo.

What other changes have taken effect

Since the beginning of the year, a number of other changes have taken effect that are meant to widen the circle of program users. Thus, the preferential mortgage at 3% is now available to mobilized military personnel, while certain categories of displaced persons can receive up to 70% compensation of the down payment and partly of the loan interest.

We add that in 2026 Ukrfinzhytlo plans to finance about 10 thousand mortgages worth more than UAH 20 billion.