Bulgarian Housing Association is developing a social housing movement in Bulgaria.

We rely on your support!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

top

Montage of Bulgarian Houses

 


Affordable Housing Project

Northern Ireland Public Sector's Overseas Marketing Company (NI-CO) in association with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations supported the completion of a feasibility study of an investment housing development, based on the local requirements identifed by BHA housing experts. The involvement, provided by NI-CO, and especially the commitment of Ulster Garden Villages Ltd, allowed the implementation of the scheme - development of the Affordable Housing Project in Shumen, Bulgaria.


The goal of the project was to increase the affordability for first time home buyers with limited income.

Photo of housing in constructionPhoto of members of BHA and NICO



 

The inputs so far have been:

  • interest free loan provided by ULSTER GARDEN VILLAGES Ltd
  • KNOW-HOW FUND Technical Project expertise and additional financial support
  • attraction of supplementary foreign technical assistance at all stages of the construction development and subsequent management of the finished dwellings
  • project implemented with BHA staff and the active involvement of local organisations

The citizens who are beneficiaries from the Project meet the following criteria:

  • in housing need as defined in Bulgarian legislation
  • willing to participate actively in implementation of the project
  • participate in the tenants management union established for maintenance of the building

In order to provide affordable prices, the project has required:

  • interest free loan
  • negotiated building contract with reduced profit
  • optimized construction program, improved planning and technology

In accordance with the esocial aim of the Project, it was decided to build a structure that consists of a number of small apartment dwellings - about 60m2 each - with a common public area and shared facilities to be used by all the tenants. It is also hoped that common use will promote a "sense of community" which is vital for the functioning of the tenants' management union.

The dwellings are being sold to the residents at installments. This is provided according to long term sales contacts made individually for each of the tenants.


Building partnerships for sustainable maintenance of condominium buildings in Sofia

Subject Area:
The project proposal reflects the current situation in the housing sector in Bulgaria - almost 100% homeownership, declining quality of the housing stock and urgent need for adequate management, maintenance and reconstruction.

Project Goal:
To formulate and implement through a feasible pilot project an adequate system of partnership for renovation and subsequent sustainable management and maintenance of the existing housing stock in high rise apartment buildings.

The Partners:

Bulgarian Housing Association

'De Nieuwe Unie' Housing Association - Rotterdam (27 000 dwellings owned)

'Woondrecht' Housing Association - Dordrecht (10 000 dwellings owned)

Project Consultancy:

Project Content:
Investigations for proper financial, legal and partnership structure for management and maintenance (Owners Union, Development Unit, banks, municipality involvement)

  • Establishment of an Owners Union in the pilot condominium building
  • Establishment of a Development Unit (entity formed by two Dutch Housing Associations, and local municipality in order to implement the investment activities and secure payments collection afterwards)
  • Development of renovation and maintenance plan of the building selected and signing contracts between the partners involved (Owners Union, Development Unit, bank)
  • Execution of renovation plan and collecting the monthly payments to cover the investments made

Project achievements to date:

  • April 2002 - project start
  • Analytical phase realised
  • Suitable pilot building found (named "Zaharna fabrika")
  • First pilot building renovated
  • Results evaluated (energy efficiency, legal procedures, quality of living etc.)
  • Further pilot buildings under preparation

Follow-up Activities:

  • Replicating the scheme on a revolving base

 

 

 

 

10/11/03[Hit Counter]