The state's task is to create conditions on the housing market that allow Estonian residents to purchase or rent housing that suits them, housing owners to improve the energy performance of residential houses, and tenants to solve their housing problems as independently as possible. This is done through legal regulations, institutional arrangements, and financial measures. The state also seeks to cooperate with umbrella organisations active in this field and other market participants in the development of the housing sector.
The longer-term goals of the housing sector are to ensure:
- availability of housing for Estonian residents,
- energy performance, quality and sustainability of housing,
- diversity of residential areas and sustainable development.
The municipality in its administrative territory is responsible for the organisation of housing and communal services. It is regulated by the Constitution and the Local Government Organisation Act.
Development documents
The national development plan "Energy Economy Development Plan until 2030", which was adopted in 2017 and deals with the residential sector, is currently in force. It deals with reducing the energy consumption of buildings.
In addition, in 2020, the government approved a long-term reconstruction strategy, the main goal of which is to completely renovate all buildings built before 2000 in Estonia by 2050.
Subsidies, guarantees and loans in the housing sector are implemented by Foundation KredEx, which is under the administration of the ministry. Information about existing subsidies can be found on the institution's website.
Kredex websiteSupporting the development of the housing resources
From 2017 to 2019, municipalities were able to apply for funds for the construction and/or renovation of residential real estate up to 50% of the total cost of the design through the national support programme. The subsidy was intended to improve the availability of high-quality and affordable housing. The target group is primarily employees with their families who do not have affordable and modern living spaces near their workplace, and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and do not have the opportunity to rent housing under market conditions. A brief overview of the program can be found here.
International cooperation
UN CHARTER ON SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
The Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing is a legally non-binding document. The purpose of the charter is to support member states in their efforts to ensure the availability of satisfactory, adequate, affordable and healthy housing for all, paying attention also to reducing the environmental impact of the housing sector.
The sustainability of the residential sector plays a significant role in people's quality of life. The positive impact of the residential sector can be increased by applying the principles of environmental protection, economic profitability, social inclusion and cultural suitability.
The challenges of sustainable housing in the UN EC region are mainly due to globalisation, demographic changes, climate change and the economic crisis.
The Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing was approved by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe on 16 April 2015.
Last updated: 02.07.2023
