Housing Ecosystem Assessment and Options for Social and Affordable Housing in the Republic of Moldova

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) produced a comprehensive assessment of Moldova’s housing ecosystem, focusing on social and affordable housing options. As a leading intergovernmental agency, IOM brings expertise in migration, development and housing policy, providing a credible foundation for the study.

Moldova exhibits an exceptionally high home‑ownership rate of approximately 95 %, indicating that private ownership dominates the residential sector. Public housing stock is limited to 1–2 % of the total dwellings, underscoring a scarcity of state‑provided accommodation for low‑income households.

In the capital city, private rental units account for around 15 % of the housing market. This segment is characterised by a mix of informal arrangements and emerging professional landlords, reflecting a modest but growing rental sector that can potentially alleviate pressure on the limited public stock.

Municipal authorities directly manage roughly 1 500 residential blocks across the country. These blocks, many built during the Soviet era, require substantial renovation and modernisation to meet contemporary standards of energy efficiency and habitability, presenting both challenges and opportunities for sustainable interventions.

A pilot initiative in the Botanica district of Chișinău is converting a 138‑flat dormitory into affordable housing units. This project demonstrates a practical approach to repurposing existing structures, reducing the need for new construction and contributing to resource‑efficient urban development.

The report highlights the urgent need to improve energy performance in Moldova’s housing stock, which currently suffers from high energy consumption and low insulation standards. Recommendations include retrofitting existing buildings with modern insulation, upgrading heating systems, and promoting renewable energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions and lower household energy costs.

Key policy suggestions focus on expanding the public housing portfolio, encouraging public‑private partnerships, and streamlining administrative procedures to accelerate the delivery of affordable units. The study also advises the creation of targeted subsidies and financing mechanisms to support low‑income families and vulnerable groups.

For a pan‑European audience, the Moldovan case illustrates the broader challenges of transitioning from legacy housing stock to sustainable, inclusive urban environments. The high ownership rate, limited public provision, and nascent rental market offer insights into how policy levers, pilot projects, and international cooperation can foster sustainable housing solutions in post‑transition economies.

The assessment concludes that coordinated action among national authorities, municipalities, international organisations and the private sector is essential to achieve a resilient, affordable and environmentally sustainable housing system in Moldova. Continued monitoring and evaluation, as outlined in the 2026‑Q3 refresh cycle, will be critical to track progress and adapt strategies over time.