Can Apartments in Chișinău Become More Affordable? 3 Directions for Urban Development

This is not a unique situation – many European cities have gone through similar stages. The difference is that some chose to respond strategically.

Cities such as Vienna, Berlin, Prague, or Barcelona have addressed housing not through chaotic construction or continuous expansion, but through integrated urban planning, public-private partnerships, and modernization of the existing housing stock. Chișinău still has the chance to choose a balanced path.

There are three clear directions which, if implemented simultaneously, could make Chișinău’s apartment market more affordable, predictable, and focused on quality of life.

1. New, well-planned neighborhoods, not isolated buildings

The first direction is the development of complete urban neighborhoods, not isolated constructions. The European model favors medium-height neighborhoods (7–10 floors), providing density without overcrowding urban space.

A modern neighborhood should follow the “15-minute city” principle, established in European urbanism:

• schools and kindergartens,
• medical centers,
• green spaces and recreation areas,
• nearby commerce, services, and offices,
• efficient public transport.

In Berlin or Vienna, building permits depend on the presence of this infrastructure. The municipality does not just approve projects, it strategically directs them.

Applying this model in Chișinău would reduce pressure on the city center, decrease traffic, and lower daily living costs for thousands of families.

Without this approach, the city risks continuing chaotic expansion, with car-dependent neighborhoods and permanently outdated infrastructure.

2. Affordable housing through public-private partnership, not only free market

The second direction is the development of a real segment of affordable housing, inspired by the European model of social and cooperative housing.

In Vienna, over 60% of the population lives in rental housing built with state or municipal involvement. This does not distort the market but stabilizes it.

For Chișinău, a realistic model could include:

• land provided free by the municipality or state,
• support for utilities and infrastructure,
• construction of apartments and infrastructure by private companies,
• sale of apartments to young families at fixed prices below the market average.

To avoid speculation, these apartments should have a resale restriction of at least 15 years. The goal is not quick profit but urban and social stability.

European experience shows that this segment reduces pressure on the free market and gradually tempers price growth across all housing categories.

3. Modernization of the Soviet housing stock – the fastest but often ignored solution

The third direction, often ignored in public debate, is massive renovation of Soviet-era housing.

Thousands of apartments in Chișinău are well-located and connected to infrastructure but are energy-inefficient and functionally outdated.

In cities like Prague or Budapest, modernizing the existing stock reduced the need for new construction by 20–30% in the medium term.

A real renovation program should include:

• thermal insulation and energy efficiency,
• replacement of worn-out networks,
• modernization of common areas,
• improvement of structural safety.

Modernized apartments become competitive with new buildings, and residents are not forced to migrate to the outskirts.

At the same time, the city makes better use of existing infrastructure, avoiding huge expansion costs.

Conclusion: Without strategy, cities pay much more later

The housing crisis cannot be solved with a single measure or solely through the free market. European cities have shown that balance is achieved only when public authorities have a clear vision and act strategically.

For Chișinău, the solution is integrated:

• new well-planned neighborhoods,
• affordable housing through public-private partnership,
• modernization of the existing housing stock.

Without these decisions, the city risks repeating the mistakes of other metropolises, which today spend billions correcting past poor development.

With their implementation, Chișinău can become a more affordable, balanced, and comfortable city for future generations.

Author: Victor Cernomorcenco, Real Estate Specialist at Acces Imobil.

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