Since the start of the full-scale war, Lviv has remained one of the main destinations for internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking safe housing. The city is chosen for its geographic location, developed infrastructure, and relative safety. Internal migration is the key driver of demand.
What types of apartments are being purchased, how quickly rentals are filled, and why finding housing can be a challenge for IDPs — explains Olena Gorpyniuk, Deputy Head of the Lviv Branch of the Union of Real Estate Market Professionals of Ukraine and a realtor.
— Ms. Olena, how does the war-driven influx of people affect Lviv’s real estate market?
It’s a very important factor. When the flow increases, prices rise slightly. Not critically, but noticeably.
Currently, the flow seems stable. People are arriving, and the need remains. Since the beginning of the year, prices have increased by about 1,000–1,500 UAH, no more.
— What are the current rental prices in Lviv?
Prices aren’t rising as sharply as they did in 2022. Since the beginning of this year, I wouldn’t say there’s been a significant increase. But often people can’t find what they’re looking for due to budget constraints. For example, if someone wants to live closer to the center, it’s very difficult to find housing for 10–12 thousand UAH.
As for new housing — renovated new builds — prices in this segment start at 15–16 thousand UAH, depending on location. If it’s the central or near-central area, the price will be even higher. In other districts, a one-bedroom apartment may cost from 9 thousand UAH and up.
— What about larger apartments?
Four-room apartments are even less accessible. Their prices are significantly higher than two-room ones. For example, the cost may be around 18–20 thousand UAH, depending on condition. If the apartment is renovated, the price can reach 800–1000 USD (33,000–41,000 UAH). There are various options, but it’s not always easy to find something affordable.
— How quickly are apartments rented out?
If we list an apartment, it can be rented almost immediately. If a client calls asking for something in the 12,000 UAH range — it’s sometimes very difficult to find anything. This applies specifically to rentals.
— What about sales? Who is buying property now?
Many people are coming from Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions. The flow from Kharkiv is less active now — more businesses are relocating. Very few come from the south. Often, people arrive because their children are entering universities. They’re looking to rent or buy so their children can live here. Also, people from regions where it’s currently very dangerous: Zaporizhzhia, Poltava region, Kremenchuk, and parts of Kyiv region.
— Who exactly is buying now?
Many military personnel and people with housing certificates — they’re actively buying. There’s the “YeOselya” program, and certificates — it works, but there are nuances. It’s hard to find housing under these certificates, as sellers are reluctant due to certain government restrictions.
— What are the average apartment prices now? How long does it take to sell?
One-bedroom apartments — from 45,000 USD and up. Two-bedroom apartments have become much more expensive recently. A typical panel two-bedroom apartment now costs around 58,000 USD. If it’s 50 square meters, Czech design, without renovation — 58,000; with renovation — 65–70,000 USD.
As for timing — apartments under 100,000 USD sell very well. Anything above that is more difficult.
— You mentioned two-bedroom apartments — why have they become so expensive?
There are simply not enough apartments. On the primary market — it’s even more expensive. Prices start at 1,000 USD per square meter, and closer to the center — 1,500–2,300 USD. And that’s just the zero cycle. To make it livable, you need to invest another 400–500 USD per square meter for renovations.
— Is construction active?
There’s a lot of building going on. But the main thing is to complete what’s already underway. We’re seeing both completions and new projects starting. There are many offers, but I wouldn’t say there’s a queue.
Lviv Real Estate Market Overview
Primary Market (New Builds)
Lviv is actively developing new residential complexes — over 450 projects. The most popular districts for new builds: Shevchenkivskyi, Sykhivskyi, Frankivskyi, Halytskyi, Lychakivskyi.
Prices for new builds range from 1.24 million UAH (economy segment) to 3.83 million UAH (premium complexes).
Price Dynamics — Year-on-Year (July 2024 – July 2025):
One-bedroom: +22%
Two-bedroom: +21%
Three-bedroom: +19%
The growth is linear, without sharp spikes, indicating stable demand.
District Characteristics
Most expensive districts: Halytskyi, Lychakivskyi, Center.
Most affordable: Zaliznychnyi, Sykhivskyi, Shevchenkivskyi.
Price differences between districts can reach 30–40%.
