Rental payback period in Ukraine: which cities are more profitable for buying housing, and which for renting

Housing and rental prices in Ukrainian cities vary significantly. Find out where buying an apartment pays off in 9–12 years, and where renting remains more profitable

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Renting a home has long ceased to be just a “temporary solution.” For some Ukrainians, it is becoming a long-term strategy, while others are looking to invest in their own real estate. To understand which option is more financially advantageous, it is important to know how many years it will take for the cost of renting to equal the cost of buying an apartment.

We will tell you in which cities renting pays off in 9–12 years, where you will have to wait more than 15 years, and how to make the right decision, taking into account your personal finances and security factors.

How to evaluate the payback period for renting: data from OLX Real Estate

OLX analysts compared the median rental cost of one-bedroom apartments with the average purchase price of such housing on the secondary market. The calculation shows how long it will take for the total rental payments to equal the cost of purchasing an apartment.

On average, in large cities of Ukraine, this indicator is 12–14 years, but the difference between regions is significant. In some cities, buying a home seems financially optimal, while in others, renting remains a practical and often cheaper solution.

Cities with the fastest payback: buying is more profitable

In a number of cities, rental costs “catch up” with the purchase price in just 9-12 years. These are the best indicators in the country.

1. Dnipro – the fastest payback period among large cities in Ukraine.

● Rent: UAH 10,500/month

● Purchase: UAH 1,125,625

● Payback period: 9 years

2. Zaporizhia

● Rent: 5,000 UAH

● Purchase: 624,153 UAH

● Payback period: 11 years

3. Lviv

● Rent: 18,000 UAH

● Purchase: 2,270,202 UAH

● Payback period: 11 years

4. Uzhhorod

● Rent: 18,723 UAH

● Purchase: 2,486,918 UAH

● Payback period: 12 years

Conclusion: in these cities, buying a home is often more profitable if a person plans to live there for more than 10–12 years.

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Cities with longer payback periods: renting is more profitable

In Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, buying a home is more expensive, so the payback period is significantly slower.

1. Kharkiv

● Rent: 5,000 UAH

● Purchase: 865,490 UAH

● Payback period: 15 years

2. Odesa

● Rent: UAH 10,000

● Purchase: UAH 1,747,628

● Payback period: 15 years

3. Kyiv — the slowest payback period among the cities analyzed.

● Rent: UAH 16,000

● Purchase: 3,197,833 UAH

● Payback period: 17 years

Conclusion: in expensive cities with high real estate prices, renting remains a more rational solution in the short and medium term.

How to understand what is more profitable: renting or buying?

Financial profitability is determined not only by arithmetic, but also by personal circumstances. The decision depends on:

● Length of stay. If you plan to live in the city for less than 10 years, renting is more logical. For more than 12–15 years, buying becomes more expedient.

● Current risks and safety. Due to the war and missile threats, some Ukrainians are moving to safer regions. For them, renting is a more flexible option that allows them to quickly change cities if necessary.

● Income stability. Buying requires a down payment, a loan, or significant savings. Renting allows you to spread your expenses evenly.

● The state of the real estate market in the region. In cities with low demand, purchase prices are stable or reduced, while rent can be relatively high — which is why buying pays off faster there.

Everyday aspects: risks for tenants and owners

The tenant risks:

● an increase in rent;

● the need to change accommodation frequently;

● less stability.

The owner risks:

● possible damage to the property during the war;

● repair costs;

● potential loss of property liquidity.

It is precisely because of security factors that Ukrainians are increasingly insuring not only their cars but also their homes. If your apartment has been renovated or contains valuable items, it is worth taking out express property insurance — this protects your home from fire, flooding, explosions, and other risks. You can do this online in a few minutes at Visit Ukraine: just select the type of property, region, and choose the coverage you need — the policy will be sent to your email immediately.

We remind you! The most expensive private houses in Ukraine are concentrated in the Kyiv region and in the western regions. Read about which regions top the elite real estate rating and where housing is cheapest.

Photo: Freepik

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