How many houses can one person own - what the law says.

In 2025, Ukraine continues to uphold a democratic approach to private ownership: every citizen has the right to own any number of houses. However, behind this statement lie legal, tax, and even practical nuances that one should be aware of. Some buy several houses for their family, others for business or investment. Yet, with each new property, not only do maintenance costs increase, but so do tax obligations.

The editorial team of Novyny.LIVE explains how many residential houses can be registered in one's name, whether there are 'hidden' restrictions, and what taxes will need to be paid.

What the law says: there are no formal restrictions

Ukrainian legislation does not impose direct restrictions on the number of residential houses that an individual can own in private ownership. Neither the Civil Code nor the Law on 'State Registration of Property Rights to Real Estate' specifies a maximum number of objects. Thus, one person can own two, five, or even twenty houses - as long as each of them is officially registered and all taxes and fees are paid for each.

Restrictions - indirect: what actually holds back

1. Tax burden. Legislation provides for an increased property tax rate for those who own more than one residential house. In 2025, it amounts to up to 1.5% of the minimum wage for each 'extra' square meter.
2. Accounting for 'excess housing' for subsidies. If one owns several properties, they may lose the right to subsidies or social benefits.
3. Suspicions from the tax authorities. If one person buys many houses in a short period, the tax authority may initiate a verification regarding their income sources.

What taxes will need to be paid

In 2025, individuals pay property tax if:

• the living area of the house exceeds 120 sq. m - for one object;
• the total number of objects exceeds one (even if each is less than 120 sq. m).

The rate is no more than 1.5% of the minimum wage for each square meter exceeding the norm, experts from AN Oksagen emphasize. Moreover, the so-called 'luxury tax' remains: an additional 25,000 UAH per year if the area of the house exceeds 500 sq. m.

If there are several houses - what else to consider

1. Maintenance and servicing. Utility payments, security, repairs - all become significant financial items when it comes to multiple houses.
2. Inheritance processing. With the increase in the number of properties, dividing them among heirs becomes complicated.
3. Blocking social assistance. Excess property automatically makes a person 'wealthy' in the eyes of the state.

Restrictions to be aware of

Although there are no formal limits on the number of houses, there are nuances that may complicate ownership:

• seizure or encumbrance of property. If the owner has debts, the court may impose a lien on the real estate, making its sale or transfer impossible;
• legal risks. Each object requires thorough verification before purchase. For example, a house may be part of a court dispute or have unregistered extensions, complicating registration;
• financial costs. In addition to taxes, the owner bears expenses for utilities, repairs, and maintenance of the houses. For multiple objects, these amounts can be significant.

We also discussed that transferring real estate to relatives remains a relevant way to protect property in Ukraine in 2025. This is a common solution, especially in challenging times, as it allows securing assets from potential risks. However, qualified legal support is necessary for the successful processing of such transactions.

This article explores the issue of owning residential real estate in Ukraine in 2025. Although legislation does not impose direct restrictions on the number of houses an individual can own, there are certain limitations in the form of increased taxes, accounting for obtaining subsidies, and others. Depending on the number of ownership objects, a person may encounter various financial and legal difficulties.