Important Aspects of Compensation for Destroyed Homes During the War: When and How to Terminate Ownership Rights
Amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, many families are faced with devastating losses—their homes have been destroyed or damaged due to aggression, raising questions about the possibility of receiving state compensation for their lost property.
The Ukrainian government, implementing support programs for affected citizens, provides financial assistance to help rebuild or acquire new housing.
However, this process involves a series of legal nuances and requirements that must be considered carefully.
Notably, understanding when exactly to terminate ownership rights on destroyed property is critical to avoid legal complications in the future.Legal experts and support organizations for internally displaced persons emphasize that even after submitting an application and receiving a positive decision from the commission, the process does not end automatically.
The next step involves officially terminating ownership rights through a notary or a state registrar.
This requires submitting supporting documents, such as an extract from the Unified State Electronic System in Construction (EDESSB), a commission inspection act, or a remote assessment report confirming complete destruction of the property.
If the technical assessment indicates the need for further examinations, data from EDESSB remains the primary legal source to finalize the termination.Timeframes for submitting and reviewing ownership termination applications are relatively short—up to five working days.
Legal regulations specify procedures depending on the type of compensation.
For monetary compensation related to new construction, ownership must be terminated after the commission’s decision approval but prior to the disbursement of funds.
Conversely, if compensation is provided in the form of housing certificates, it should be done after receiving the certificate and before notarization of the purchase agreement.
However, practical challenges often arise, especially in inheritance cases involving destroyed property.
Many successors receive certificates or even reserve funds, but if ownership rights are terminated prematurely, they may lose the possibility to inherit or fully utilize the certificate.Given these intricacies, experts advise not to rush with terminating ownership rights, particularly in inheritance situations.
It is recommended to first reserve funds through the “Diia” app and search for new housing.
Only after securing the funds and before signing the purchase agreement with a notary should the ownership be officially terminated.
It is also essential to monitor legislative updates, as the government introduced significant procedural changes with Resolution No.
296, effective from March 2025, regarding the compensation process for war-damaged property.
The ongoing challenges and opportunities within this system remain relevant for many Ukrainians seeking to restore their homes and receive state support.