Remain 207 self-constructed dwellings in Krasnodar
In the Krasnodar region of Russia, a unique trend has emerged since 2024, with no demolition of inhabited multi-apartment self-built structures reported. This shift away from demolitions has been observed despite the region's historical significance as a leader in self-built and long-term structures.
The region, known for its cities like Sochi, Novorossiysk, and Gelendzhik, currently houses a total of 207 multi-apartment self-built structures. Among these, Sochi boasts the largest number with 140 such buildings, followed by Gelendzhik with 31, and Anapa with 11. Two self-built structures are located in the Temryuk District, and one each in the Tuapse District and Novorossiysk.
Historically, the Krasnodar region has been a hub for self-built structures, with over 7,000 such objects identified in 2006. However, the systematic demolition of these structures, which sparked controversy among residents, commenced soon after their identification.
Interestingly, the halt in demolitions since 2024 appears to be focused on religious structures rather than residential buildings. The available information primarily references demolitions related to unauthorized constructions used for religious purposes, such as private houses converted into prayer houses. For instance, a two-story house converted into a prayer house was demolished in early 2024 after a court ruling, but this concerned a single-family or private building, not a multi-apartment residential structure.
The legal and political environment in the region seems to prioritise controlling religious activity sites rather than residential housing demolitions. While there are legal decisions against unauthorized religious prayer houses, no evidence of multi-unit residential demolitions has been reported. This suggests a policy or enforcement difference that has spared inhabited multi-apartment self-built structures from demolition in the Krasnodar region since 2024.
It's important to note that no explicit official explanation or policy statement was found in the sources regarding a ban or moratorium on demolishing inhabited self-built multi-apartment buildings in Krasnodar. However, the focus on controlling unauthorized religious buildings and the lack of residential demolitions indicate a shift in priorities.
In addition, a moratorium on the construction of multi-apartment buildings in Sochi has been in place since 2021. The governor of the Krasnodar region, Veniamin Kondratyev, reported in 2021 that around 30% of the region's residents who had bought apartments through shareholder agreements were living in self-built structures. A total of 4,946 objects are registered in the self-built construction registry in the region.
Out of the 207 multi-apartment self-built structures in the Krasnodar region, 125 are inhabited. Most of these inhabited structures were put into operation illegally and were identified before 2015. Despite the legal orders for their demolition, no demolitions have taken place since 2024, marking a significant change in the region's approach to self-built structures.
References: [1] [News Article 1] [2] [News Article 2]
In the Krasnodar region, where the focus on religious structures seems to be a priority over residential demolitions, some residents may choose to invest in real-estate, such as the 125 inhabited multi-apartment self-built structures, given the financial potential they present. Interestingly, while a moratorium on constructing multi-apartment buildings exists in Sochi, a halt on demolishing existing ones, like these self-built structures, has occurred since 2024.
