President of Belarus signs decree on reduction of ownerless buildings

Belarus has approved new measures to address problems of dilapidated and vacant housing. The decree was signed by the President today. The priority is the development of small villages, stewardship and order on the land. It is expected that the document will make it possible to intensify work to reduce the number of abandoned and emergency buildings. The approach to such buildings in rural areas has been extended to the entire territory of Belarus. In the country there will be registers of empty and dilapidated houses, information on such housing will be published on the websites of executive committees. Real estate will be sold not only at auctions, but also through direct sale, if there is only one bid. This will speed up the alienation process. In addition, the approach to determining vacant buildings has been changed.

An owner, who notifies the local authorities about the desire to own land, will henceforth be obliged to fulfill all the requirements for its protection and use. The owner will be allowed to do knock down the house, if needed.