Belarusian "House for a Base Unit" Program: Unpacking the Real Costs for New Homeowners

MINSK – A recent social media video by blogger Polina.pravda has shed light on the realities of Belarus's "house for one base unit" program, challenging the popular perception that individuals can acquire a fully functional home for a symbolic price of approximately 42 Belarusian rubles. The program, designed to revitalize abandoned properties in rural areas, often entails significant unforeseen expenses for new owners.Polina.pravda, who recently acquired a property through a similar registry, explained, "You should understand that you will never buy a house for a base unit. The system itself is designed to take abandoned, decaying houses in villages and give them to people who have the means to restore them, bring them into good condition, care for them, and live there."According to the blogger, the initial low purchase price is just the beginning. Prospective owners can expect to incur costs for land surveying, estimated at around 500 rubles. More substantially, connecting essential utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage can amount to a minimum of 10,000 rubles. "Often, these houses are sold without water, without... well, electricity might be connected, which is a plus. But water, sewage – everything needs to be installed if you want to make it a home," she stated. Furthermore, the properties typically require extensive renovation, as they are often dilapidated.The program, while offering an opportunity for those willing to invest time and money, is not a shortcut to affordable housing. It places the onus of restoration and infrastructure development squarely on the new owners, making the true cost of acquiring and inhabiting such a property considerably higher than the advertised "base unit" price.

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«Дом за одну базовую — это обман»

Белоруска рассказала, сколько надо потратить на недвижимость, которую продают за 42 рубля.