The Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis has returned the draft law “On Urban Renovation,” as revealed during a press conference on March 5. The event featured Sherzod Kudbiyev, Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development of Urbanization and the Housing Market, and Sherzod Hidoyatov, Minister of Construction and Housing. When journalists inquired about the fate of the bill, which was passed by the Legislative Chamber in September 2025, officials avoided direct answers. However, a conversation caught on microphone revealed Minister Hidoyatov stating, “The Senate returned [the bill]. It’s impossible to get 100% consent from the population.”
Committee Chairman Kudbiyev urged the minister not to openly emphasize the percentage issue, saying, “Don’t hit on 100%, on 80%.” According to the Senate’s official response, the bill will be reviewed at the next plenary session. A presidential decree from February 24 requires “complex construction projects” to proceed only after notarized agreements with at least 80% of property owners in the area. Deputy Minister of Justice Mahmud Istamov, who presented the bill, noted that 80% consent is needed to initiate a proposal, but this only grants the right to suggest; after project approval, individual agreements must be reached with each owner, and no construction can start without 100% consent.
The draft law outlines three compensation forms: providing housing in a new building on the renovated site, offering housing in another district, or paying monetary compensation based on market value. At a January meeting with construction entrepreneurs, representatives highlighted practical difficulties in negotiations with property owners. A spokesperson for Capital Start construction company stated that owners often demand sums several times the market value, potentially stalling projects. He proposed implementing a clear valuation mechanism, such as market price plus 20%.
Sherzod Kudbiyev explained that international practices from countries like Turkey and Russia (Moscow) are being studied. In Turkey, renovation can begin with 50% consent, while Moscow requires 60%. He noted that if a majority of owners (e.g., 60%) have already sold their properties, the remaining owners would be offered purchase at an average price, followed by alternative housing offers; if refused, the matter could go to court. Kudbiyev emphasized, “A balance must be found: what is more important—public interests or the interests of a single property owner.”
The committee chairman also pointed to another issue: large landowners (entrepreneurs) in development zones may require exchange mechanisms. He further stressed the need for high-rise construction to develop cities like Tashkent and Samarkand, requiring societal adoption of relevant rules. Davron Vahobov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, suggested that an approach similar to Russia’s model (e.g., 60% consent) could be used, but all processes must be legally regulated. He called for avoiding hasty decisions and considering project parameters carefully.
Source: www.gazeta.uz