Receiving a housing voucher does not mean that the procedure is automatically complete. Once the voucher has been issued, the recipient needs to choose a property, determine how the assistance will be used, reserve the funds and properly formalise the agreement. At this stage, not only the programme eligibility criteria matter, but also the rules governing payments, the bank's procedures and the notary's actions.

We have previously covered the new grounds for refusal and verification procedures applicable since August 2026 in the article "Housing voucher in use: Change to the programme in August 2026". Therefore, this article focuses on practical aspects of using a housing voucher that has already been issued.

A housing voucher can no longer be used to repay a mortgage

One of the main changes concerns the use of a housing voucher together with a mortgage loan. Previously, the assistance could be used not only to purchase housing or make a down payment, but also to repay payments under an existing mortgage loan. Since July 2026, this option has been discontinued.

Therefore, a housing voucher:

1. can be used to purchase housing without taking out a loan;
2. can be used as a down payment, or initial deposit, under a new loan agreement;
3. cannot be used to make monthly payments or repay the outstanding balance under an existing mortgage loan.

This is an important distinction to keep in mind. A down payment is part of the process of purchasing new housing with borrowed funds. Mortgage repayment relates to a loan agreement that has already been concluded. The updated programme supports the first option but no longer provides for the second.

How payments are made

1. If housing is purchased without a loan, the assistance is transferred to the seller's current account opened with a state-owned bank.
2. If the voucher is used as a down payment on a loan, the housing purchase agreement must specify the arrangements for transferring the assistance:

— to the seller's current account;

— or to an account designated by the lender under the loan agreement.

The account details should be agreed in advance with the bank, seller and notary. Incorrect account details or an account that does not comply with the programme requirements may delay the payment and completion of the transaction.

What will happen to housing vouchers that have been issued but not yet used

Particular attention should be paid to vouchers that were issued before the new rules entered into force but have not yet been used to purchase housing. A mechanism for verifying previously approved applications and confirming that applicants continue to meet the programme requirements is currently being developed. This issue remains relevant and requires further detailed clarification from the programme administrator.

Therefore, before entering into an agreement, the holder of such a voucher should additionally check:

1. whether the voucher remains active;
2. whether verification of the applicant's and their family members' data has been completed;
3. whether the funds have been reserved;
4. whether there are any technical or other obstacles to making the payment.

What to check before signing the agreement

To prevent the use of the voucher from being delayed at the purchase stage, it is advisable to:

1. Determine how the voucher will be used: for full or partial payment for the housing, or as a down payment on a new loan.
2. Do not rely on the voucher to repay an existing mortgage — since July 2026, this use of the assistance is no longer available.
3. Agree on the payment arrangements: confirm with the seller, bank and notary which account the funds should be transferred to.
4. Check the documents for the property: ownership rights, technical specifications, and the absence of seizures or other restrictions that may prevent the sale.
5. If purchasing a house, check the land plot, including its cadastral number.

Lawyers on the PravoVsim platform provide free legal consultations on the procedure for obtaining and using housing vouchers for internally displaced people.