Sherzod Kudbiyev, Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development of Urbanization and the Housing Market, detailed the implementation mechanisms of the renovation law during a meeting with entrepreneurs on April 10. A representative from the Makon construction company raised concerns about the fate of individual residential properties (land plots) located within renovation zones. Kudbiyev described this issue as “very fundamental,” noting that existing buildings in conservation areas can be repaired but no new construction is permitted, even within allowed floor limits.
The committee chairman confirmed that the state will provide compensation for the demolition of individual homes that fall within renovation zones and are slated for comprehensive development. He stated this is outlined in the law and regulatory “sandbox,” with valuation handled by regional investment companies. Kudbiyev emphasized: “The state will definitely provide compensation. There is no dogma that individual homes will not remain in renovation zones.”
In response to a question about the possibility of demolishing a home without the owner’s consent, Kudbiyev pointed out that this matter is addressed in the law and regulations. He stressed the need to balance the interests of the majority and minority of property owners, giving an example: “Is the opinion of 5–7% important or is the opinion of 80% important? We as a society must answer this.”
Under the renovation law draft, a norm requiring 80% consent from housing property owners is being introduced for reviewing renovation projects. Kudbiyev clarified that this does not involve private investors: real estate acquisition is carried out by state investment companies. He said: “The buyer will not be an entrepreneur… Only the state, the investment company buys and agrees with up to 80%.”
After achieving 80% consent, the investment company gains the right to proceed with the remaining properties, including through court proceedings. Davron Vahobov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained that the new system aims to reduce the risk of conflicts between residents and construction companies, as seen in earlier projects like Akay City. Kudbiyev added that the mechanism primarily serves citizens’ interests, potentially accelerating construction cycles and lowering housing costs.
In March, it emerged that the renovation law might be revised, as an earlier version required 100% population consent. On April 7, the Senate approved the “Urban Planning Renovation” law, which stipulates that renovation projects be considered based on notarized consent from 80% of residents, with demolition occurring only after full resolution of compensation issues with all property owners.
Source: www.gazeta.uz