On Ukraine's primary real estate market, by autumn 2026 a significant gap has accumulated between the actual cost of construction and developers' current price lists. According to industry experts, it is precisely this lag that determines the likelihood of developers revising their pricing policy in the coming months. At the same time, the pegging of the price per square meter to a foreign-currency equivalent and the availability of long-term installment programs keep the primary market one of the effective tools for preserving savings from inflation.

What drives up the cost of construction

Elena Ryzhova, Commercial Director of Intergal-Bud, explained in a comment to RBC-Ukraine that the cost of building materials and currency fluctuations account for about a third of the overall increase in construction costs. However, according to her, a number of other factors also affect the final price per square meter: rising labor costs, a shortage of qualified specialists, higher energy tariffs, logistics expenses, as well as the costs of implementing autonomy and security systems for buildings. The combined effect of these elements forms a sustained upward trend in the primary market.

The mechanics of price revision: why buyers do not feel the jump immediately

The increase in the price per square meter does not reach the end buyer instantly. As Ryzhova notes, developers are unable to pass on the entire spike in expenses all at once, so prices rise with a certain time lag. At Kreator Stroy, they clarify that price lists are revised approximately once a quarter and depend not only on the cost of construction but also on the stage of construction readiness of a specific project. It is precisely this smoothing mechanism that explains why, in autumn, when the accumulated gap reaches a critical level, buyers may face a more noticeable price revision.

Installment terms that keep the market accessible

Despite the pressure on construction costs, most developers continue to offer buyers installment programs. At Kreator Stroy, they emphasize that the payment terms are determined individually for each residential complex, taking into account the stage of construction, the size of the down payment, and the overall term of the deal. At Intergal-Bud, the terms are more standardized: the down payment ranges from 30% to 50%, and the installment period varies from three months to four to five years. At the same time, the price per square meter and the payment schedule are clearly fixed in the contract, which protects both parties from unilateral changes to the terms.

Investment appeal and two types of buyers

Financial analyst Andriy Shevchishyn pointed out in a comment to RBC-Ukraine that pegging prices to a dollar equivalent allows developers to maintain the investment appeal of real estate even amid volatility in the national currency. Thanks to this, the primary market remains a reliable tool for protecting savings from the devaluation of the hryvnia. Real estate expert Elena Bondaruk adds that today the market is clearly divided into two groups: buyers purchasing housing for their own residence, and business investors. The former, seeking to minimize risks, choose already completed homes. The latter enter a project at the early stage of construction, expecting a profit in the range of 40–50% by the time the building is handed over. At the same time, Bondaruk reminds that, before investing in an unfinished building, one must take into account the risks of possible construction delays.

Contradictory data

No significant discrepancies in figures or dates were found in the provided sources. The only nuance worth noting for a complete picture: at Kreator Stroy, they emphasize the individual nature of installment terms for each residential complex, whereas Intergal-Bud operates with fixed ranges (a 30–50% down payment, a term of up to 4–5 years). This is not a contradiction but a reflection of different management approaches to pricing; however, for a buyer, the difference in terms between two major developers can be significant when comparing offers.