Most Apartments in Kyiv Are Bought on the Secondary Market: Secrets of the Capital’s Real Estate Market
A large share of real estate transactions in Kyiv takes place on the secondary market. Why is this the case? Buying a resale apartment has a number of advantages over purchasing a unit in a new building in Kyiv. Therefore, if you’re considering buying an apartment in Kyiv, you should start your search specifically on the secondary market.
Why You Should Buy a Secondary Market Apartment in Kyiv
First, although secondary market prices in Kyiv also depend on the district, the condition of the apartment, proximity to the metro, and the level of infrastructure development, they are still lower than in new-build projects.
Second, you can move into a pre-owned apartment as early as the second day after purchase – provided that the previous owner has vacated it in time.
When purchasing secondary housing in Kyiv, you should first pay attention to the condition of the apartment. If it does not have a fresh renovation, it will of course cost less, but in such a case the apartment will require significant financial investment. A secondary property with renovations will cost more but will still be cheaper than a comparable turnkey apartment in a new building in the same neighborhood of the capital.
Having well-developed infrastructure (schools, preschools, shops, hospitals, parks) is another important advantage of secondary housing in Kyiv. Proximity to the metro is also a big plus, but it will drive up the cost of the apartment.
Secondary Housing: Types of Buildings and Their Features
If you want to buy an apartment in Kyiv on the secondary market, keep in mind that the Soviet-era housing stock, primarily consisting of “Khrushchevki” and “panel buildings,” is priced lower. These buildings are old and of poor quality, and their wear and tear is evident. Apartments in them have a small area, low ceilings, and frequent issues with utilities.
“Stalinkas” are also secondary housing, but more expensive: they were built with high-quality materials and have a decent area and high ceilings. “Stalinkas” usually feature elevators, wide stairwells, and both exterior and interior decorative elements. There is a certain imperial grandeur in these buildings, and this architectural style is known as “Stalinist Empire.”
Since “Stalinkas” were built in the USSR from 1933 to the early 1960s, they are mostly located in the central districts of Kyiv, particularly in Pecherskyi and Holosiivskyi.
Monolithic-frame buildings represent a newer housing stock, featuring modern floor plans and energy-efficient technology, but secondary market units in such buildings in Kyiv are quite expensive.
Most premium-class buildings are located in the center of Kyiv – this type of real estate generally has a closed territory, security, and an underground parking garage.
Not All Capital Districts Are Equally Good: Where Is It Profitable to Buy an Apartment?
Kyiv has 10 administrative districts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You can read more about the features of the capital’s districts in our article “How to Choose a District for Buying an Apartment in Kyiv?”
Typically, buyers of secondary market real estate in Kyiv choose a district based on the following factors:
• the cost of the apartment;
• everyday living comfort (infrastructure, transport, ecology);
• investment potential (future increases in the value of secondary housing);
• the quality of the social environment and safety.
Apartment prices in Kyiv vary greatly depending on the district. In the central districts of the capital (Pecherskyi, Shevchenkivskyi), real estate is the most expensive due to prestige, well-developed infrastructure, proximity to major business centers, and historic landmarks.
The bedroom (residential) districts of Kyiv (on the Left Bank, as well as Obolonskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Holosiivskyi districts on the Right Bank) offer more affordable secondary housing, but convenience and comfort may not meet your expectations.
In addition, some bedroom districts have less prestigious neighborhoods (for instance, Borshchahivka, DVRZ, Vitryani Hory), where apartment prices in Kyiv are the lowest. This is due to issues with infrastructure, safety, transport, and the social environment, as well as the quality of the secondary housing itself.
High-Priced Real Estate: Pechersk Sets Price Records
The Pecherskyi district encompasses the central part of Kyiv. It is home to the government quarter, many cultural institutions, upscale shops, entertainment clubs, as well as important architectural landmarks included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can also find foreign embassies there, along with the offices of international companies. Almost always, this is secondary real estate with a long history.
Living in Pechersk is convenient and prestigious. However, buying an apartment in the Pecherskyi district in Kyiv is prestigious but expensive, as property prices here are not low and steadily increased throughout 2024. Thus, not everyone can afford to buy an apartment here.
As of August 2024, real estate websites in the capital recorded an average price for the purchase of a one-bedroom apartment in Kyiv on the secondary market in the Pecherskyi district at $108,700–110,000, whereas by December, the price had already increased to $120,000–138,000 (see table). Recall that overall in Kyiv, during the previous year of 2023, the cost of one-bedroom apartments on the secondary market rose by 30 percent.
You can buy a secondary-market apartment in Kyiv at the following prices (December 2024):
| District | Average price without renovation ($) | Average price with renovation ($) | Average price per 1 sq. m (with and without renovation) ($) |
| Pecherskyi | 138 000 | 118 000 | 2 760 - 2360 |
| Shevchenkivskyi | 85 000 | 74 000 | 1 700 - 1 480 |
| Holosiivskyi | 80 000 | 62 000 | 1 600 - 1 240 |
| Darnytskyi | 70 000 | 53 000 | 1 400 - 1100 |
| Podilskyi | 75 000 | 55 000 | 1 500 - 1 200 |
| Dniprovskyi | 64 000 | 54 000 | 1 280 - 1 080 |
| Solomianskyi | 60 000 | 50 000 | 1 200 - 1 100 |
| Obolonskyi | 54 000 | 48 000 | 1 080 - 960 |
| Sviatoshynskyi | 50 000 | 45 000 | 1 020 - 900 |
| Desnianskyi | 42 000 | 35 000 | 840 - 700 |
Holosiivskyi District Leads in the Number of Deals Concluded
When it comes to purchasing housing on the secondary market in Kyiv, the optimal choice for an average budget appears to be buying an apartment in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv. It is one of the largest districts in the city and far exceeds the historic area known as Holosiiv in terms of territory. Here, you can find secondary housing of any level, from economy to premium. In addition to historical and Soviet-era buildings from various periods, there is a significant amount of modern housing constructed over the past 20 years.
Holosiivskyi borders higher-priced districts such as Pecherskyi and Shevchenkivskyi; it boasts a well-developed modern infrastructure, is known for its green areas, and a metro line introduced in 2013 passes through it. Modern transportation interchanges help minimize commuting problems from your apartment to any point in the capital.
Considering all these factors, we would recommend that you buy a secondary market apartment specifically in Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv.
You can buy a secondary-market apartment in Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv at the following prices (December 2024):
| Number of rooms | Average price with renovation ($) | Average price without renovation ($) |
| 1-room apartment | 78 000 | 60 000 |
| 2-room apartment | 110 000 | 88 000 |
| 3-room apartment | 155 000 | 120 000 |
Buyers looking for more affordable options generally opt for Kyiv’s bedroom communities. On the Left Bank, these are Desnianskyi and Darnytskyi districts, and on the Right Bank, these are Sviatoshynskyi and Obolonskyi.
Priority No.1 – The Legal Purity of the Purchase Agreement
When buying secondary housing in Kyiv, pay attention to:
• the technical condition of the apartment and building;
• development of local infrastructure: schools, preschools, shops, markets, hospitals, parks;
• transportation options: proximity to the metro, a rapid tram line, or main highways;
• safety levels (which vary widely across different districts of Kyiv);
• the location of your job or educational institution;
• the type of building in the neighborhood, the quality of utility services;
• environmental considerations: air pollution, the presence of harmful industries, proximity to the Dnipro River, water bodies, forests, or parks;
• legal aspects of the transaction.
Let’s focus on that last point in more detail. Because we are dealing with the secondary market in Kyiv, it’s crucial to thoroughly verify the apartment’s documentation. Pay attention to how many times the property has changed owners and whether there are any issues with individuals registered in the apartment. A mortgage or property lien are among the common risks buyers face. Document forgery and fraud are classic schemes used by scammers in the housing sector.
Due to ongoing military activities on the territory of Ukraine, Kyiv’s real estate market is unstable. Owners may sell secondary housing at reduced prices – in such cases, legal risks multiply.
How to Avoid Fraud When Buying a Secondary Market Apartment in Kyiv
If you’re thinking of purchasing a secondary market apartment in Kyiv, you should decide on the approximate size of the unit and select your desired neighborhood. Real estate agents and lawyers can handle the rest. It’s convenient for the client when both specialists work together.
This is exactly how services are provided at the AXIS Real Estate agency https://axis.kiev.ua/. Experienced realtors will select secondary housing from their databases, which contain thousands of apartments, tailored to your request. Meanwhile, lawyers specializing in real estate sales and purchase agreements will verify the authenticity of all documents and the presence/absence of legal encumbrances on the apartment. In this scenario, you won’t need to involve an external lawyer to safeguard the deal. It’s not advisable to sign a contract for a secondary market apartment without legal support.
The AXIS Real Estate agency values its reputation, which is why it guarantees the legal impeccability of the deals it facilitates when buying and selling real estate in Kyiv.
