Real estate prices in Podgorica are steadily climbing, defying market logic and making the aspiration for many young people to secure their first home increasingly elusive. Furthermore, the increasingly stringent requirements imposed by banks for housing loans add to the difficulties of financing such a property, stated Europe Now Movement (PES) MP Vasilije Čarapić.

Civic Movement URA MP Miloš Konatar urged Čarapić to collaboratively propose legislation for the establishment of a state housing fund named “Housing for All,” aiming to assist everyone lacking their own home in purchasing one at favorable terms, specifically at construction cost.

Čarapić highlighted that an influx of foreign buyers, who possess greater purchasing power, has caused rental prices to rise, putting additional pressure on local renters.

“The number of landlords willing to offer fair rents is dwindling, while those eager to displace young Montenegrin couples to rent to foreign tenants at higher rates are on the rise,” noted a post on the X network.

He further emphasized that this trend has resulted in significant availability issues, even for newly built apartments that were once considered affordable.

“The forthcoming ‘Velje Brdo’ project aims to address these challenges, providing citizens the opportunity to resolve their housing issues with the state’s assistance. This initiative prioritizes humane solutions and aligns with our economic, social, and demographic policies that center on citizens. Alongside affordable housing, the project encourages strategic urban planning to avoid the chronic devaluation of space and cluttered construction typical of many areas in Podgorica. Planning for the project’s implementation is on track, with funds already earmarked in this year’s budget,” said Čarapić.

He acknowledged that even the proposed program faces criticism from detractors of PES. These critics, who were once skeptical of the Europe Now 1 and Europe Now 2 initiatives, are now organizing opposition to the “Velje Brdo” project.

“As always, sound arguments are lacking, and the noise merely conceals their true motives—namely, that the ‘Velje Brdo’ project contradicts the interests of construction magnates willing to fund extensive counter-campaigns against the Government to protect their economic interests. Therefore, we are entering the third round of ‘citizens versus tycoons,’ centered around the Velje Brdo project, where we will continue to advocate for the citizens. Notably, 11,000 citizens have shown interest in apartments at Velje Brdo, and PES is committed to ensuring they receive one,” stated Čarapić.

Konatar emphasized that creating a state housing fund “Housing for All” presents a valuable opportunity for citizen welfare.

“URA and PES have differing opinions on where the state housing fund should build apartments; Velje Brdo poses a risk to Podgorica’s water supply and necessitates significant infrastructure investment. URA and PES also diverge in that the ‘Housing for All’ Fund aims to develop apartments in all cities, while PES focuses only on Podgorica, which could exacerbate migration issues. I encourage Čarapić to collaborate on a joint solution that won’t compromise Podgorica residents’ quality of life,” Konatar tweeted.

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