Mortgage lending and a comprehensive housing policy for the Russian population: problem s and solutions

Bank mortgages are an important component of the Russian Federation’s state housing policy aimed at increasing housing affordability and availability. Meanwhile, Eastern European countries used construction savings banks as an effective mass institution for transitioning to bank mortgages, a practice proven by Russian researchers but not implemented in the country. It is argued that mortgage lending, including preferential mortgages, is not a universal solution to the housing needs of the Russian population. The article aims to substantiate a comprehensive, differentiated approach to providing housing to all categories of households, with priority given to middle- and low-income groups. For families with average per capita incomes, it is proposed to legally introduce the institution of construction savings banks and encourage the development of housing cooperatives. To improve housing conditions for households with below-average per capita incomes, it is recommended to combine the sale of private apartments with preferential mortgages, participation in state-supported housing cooperatives, and the development of institutional housing rentals. For low-income families, promote subsidized rental housing and the construction of municipal social housing. To increase housing affordability, it is recommended to encourage efficient construction technologies and the development of non-profit construction organizations. 

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