Kazakhstan is introducing new rules for the distribution of state and rental housing, as well as preferential mortgage loans. At least 70% of the available volume will be reserved for certain preferential categories. However, having a preferential status alone will not be enough: authorities will also consider income, family composition, and waiting list position, reports infohub.kz.
Under the new rules, at least 20% of municipal housing and apartments rented by akimats from private owners will be provided to orphans and children left without parental care. Another minimum 50% is reserved for socially vulnerable categories, including veterans of the Great Patriotic War and equivalent persons, veterans of combat operations in other countries, people with disabilities of groups I and II, families with children with disabilities, widows and widowers, large families, and awarded mothers of many children. This group also includes those on the waiting list who have a family member with a disability of group I or II, or a child with a disability. The same shares will apply to the distribution of housing under preferential mortgage loans through the housing construction savings system.
However, falling into a preferential category does not guarantee an apartment. The applicant must be registered as needing housing and meet the established requirements.
Income will be a key criterion. When providing municipal or rental housing, income from employment and entrepreneurial activities over the last six months will be considered. For families of three or more, income must not exceed two subsistence minimums per family member. For a family of two, the limit is 3.5 subsistence minimums per person, and for a single citizen, 5.5 subsistence minimums.
In 2026, the subsistence minimum is 50,851 tenge. This means the maximum income will be about 101.7 thousand tenge per person for a family of three or more, about 178 thousand tenge per person for a family of two, and approximately 279.7 thousand tenge for a single applicant. For example, for a family of four, the total countable income should be about 406.8 thousand tenge per month.
Rules for determining the required number of rooms are also changing. Spouses are entitled to one room. For family members of the same sex, one room is allowed for a maximum of two people. Family members of different sexes, except spouses, must be provided with separate rooms, also at a rate of no more than two people per room. An additional separate room is provided for people with severe forms of certain chronic diseases and families with children with disabilities. Such space will not be considered excessive. If an apartment of the required size is not available, the family may be offered smaller housing, but only with their consent.
The rules governing room distribution will take effect on September 14, 2026. The main part of the order will come into force ten calendar days after its first official publication.