A working visit of the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Head of State in the Vitebsk region, Igor Sergeenko, to Postavy district began with a question about bringing unused property into economic circulation and reducing the number of vacant houses. This challenging issue was discussed at a meeting of the district executive committee.
Property must work
In 2025, it was planned to bring 41 real estate objects into economic circulation in Postavy district. These are buildings, premises, and outbuildings that were unused or used inefficiently for various reasons. Decisions on sale through auction were made for each object. Tenders were held regularly. As a result, 5 objects were brought into circulation. Additionally, a large premises of over 550 square meters was sold in the district center. The total amount from the sale of unused objects amounted to almost 650 thousand rubles.
Budget revenues from property sales reached 185 percent of last year's level.
A separate area is rental. As of the beginning of 2026, over 5 thousand square meters of communal property are leased. A significant portion of the areas has been transferred to small and medium-sized businesses. Over the year, rental income amounted to almost 200 thousand rubles.
A prime example is the former bathhouse building in the center of Postavy. The new owner, OOO "Woodman", intends to create a multifunctional shopping complex here, which is much needed by the town. The project also envisages the creation of new jobs. Thus, the vacant building will be given a new life.
Attention to rural areas
Special attention at the meeting was paid to dealing with vacant houses in rural areas.
Since 2023, 363 houses have been included in the register of vacant houses. More than half of them have already been excluded – some demolished, others sold, and some brought into proper condition by their owners.
Last year, 62 houses were brought into economic circulation against a target of 51. 35 houses were demolished, 27 were sold, with 23 houses sold for one basic unit. This mechanism not only allows for the disposal of dilapidated structures but also attracts new residents.
The most active sales of houses were in suburban rural councils. One example is the provision of a land plot free of charge in the agro-town of Yunki, effectively a suburb of Postavy. Here, a young family acquired a plot where a dilapidated house had previously been demolished, and built new housing in its place. Today, the lights are on in the windows again.
Borderland Issues
Postavy District is a border district, which imposes its own specifics. In many villages, the owners or heirs of houses live in Lithuania. Communication with them is often difficult. Sent notifications remain unanswered. This complicates the legal procedure for declaring houses as vacant.
As of the beginning of the year, 165 vacant houses were listed in the register. More than 100 of them have already been declared for demolition, but there are insufficient funds to carry out all the work. In 2026, 90 thousand rubles are allocated for demolition. This will be enough for approximately 30 properties.
Priority will be given to the Lintup, Kamai and Kuropoly rural councils, where the largest number of vacant buildings are concentrated in the border zone.
"In this matter, it is necessary to maintain a reasonable balance between the interests of individuals and the state," noted Igor Sergeenko.
Forward-Looking Work
In 2026, the district plans to bring 36 real estate objects and 66 vacant houses into economic circulation. Seven objects are included in the plan for the first time – among them is the former kindergarten building, warehouse premises, and a bathhouse in the agro-town of Paris.
The task has been set to more actively inform potential buyers, post photographs of the properties on the district executive committee's website, and expand work through online platforms.
Following the meeting, the work of the relevant services for 2025 was deemed satisfactory. At the same time, emphasis was placed on strengthening control, accelerating document processing, and the personal responsibility of managers.
To Prevent Houses from Remaining Vacant
Igor Sergeenko took part in the district meeting "Laboring Postavshchyna," dedicated to the results of the district's socio-economic development.
Summing up the day, Igor Sergeenko noted:
– Today, several events were held, including an open meeting of the district executive committee, which considered an important issue – the involvement of unused property in economic circulation and the demolition of vacant and dilapidated houses. This is an important topic for all rural districts of our country. In the Postavy district, this work is organized and is being carried out at an acceptable level. Questions arise about simplifying the work due to the long search for potential homeowners. In order for the legislative initiatives that are being considered in parliament today to be implemented, it is necessary to involve those who are engaged in this work on the ground – land management services, rural councils.
Behind the dry figures are the destinies of villages. Each sold house is a chance for a new family, and a restored building is a step towards the development of the village.