Belarus launches massive renovation of Soviet-era apartment blocks by 2030
Belarus has unveiled plans to renovate thousands of aging apartment buildings under its new state housing programme. The initiative, running from 2026 to 2030, will focus on upgrading Khrushchev-era blocks known as Khrushchyovkas. Officials say the move aims to modernise outdated housing while improving living conditions for residents.
The scale of the project is substantial. Across Belarus, 2,568 Khrushchyovkas stand, covering nearly 10 million square metres of floor space. Of these, 1,864 are panel buildings, totalling around 7 million square metres. In Minsk alone, 890 such structures—built between 1955 and 1975—have already exceeded their 25-year design lifespan by decades.
The renovation concept, introduced in the 2024 State Housing Policy until 2030, replaces older terms like 'redevelopment' with 'renovation'. The approach emphasises increasing housing density without sacrificing comfort. Residents in affected buildings will receive either financial compensation or equivalent replacement housing in terms of size. Funding for the projects will come from a mix of local budgets and private investment. Authorities have stressed that upgrades will prioritise modern living standards while addressing the long-term wear of Soviet-era construction.
The programme marks a shift in how Belarus manages its aging housing stock. With nearly 3 million square metres of outdated apartments in Minsk alone, the renovations will reshape urban areas over the next decade. Residents and investors will play a key role in financing and implementing the changes.
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