Minister Branko Bačić pointed out that illegal construction will soon become a criminal offense, saying that the state must not lose the game with illegal builders, who systematically devalue the space.
Today, the 5th ArhiBau — the largest regional architecture and construction fair — was officially opened in Zagreb, which has established itself as one of the central gatherings of professionals and the general public in the field of building culture, spatial planning and sustainable development in Croatia and the region. The fair is traditionally accompanied by an accompanying conference, and this year's theme is "Housing for a Sustainable Community - Experiences and Guidelines".
The conference was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property Branko Bačić.
In his address, he reminded that three key laws of the Ministry are currently under public consultation - the Spatial Planning Act, the Construction Act and the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Act.
"With the Spatial Planning Act, we want to make planning more transparent, digitize spatial plans and unify them at the state level. We are also introducing a new hybrid spatial planning document, an urban project, which will enable the construction of buildings and settlements for affordable housing without changing spatial plans," he said.
He added that the aim of the Construction Act is to simplify the procedures for building new housing units, speed up the process of obtaining permits and introduce new solutions that will make the work of architects easier. "These laws will help create conditions for better quality and sustainable housing," he said.
Affordable, sustainable and quality housing for all citizens
The new legislative framework, the minister explained, is divided into two laws — the Construction Act and the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Act in order to more clearly define the rules of construction and energy efficiency.
He pointed out that this year's ArhiBau fair fits perfectly into all the Ministry's activities aimed at providing affordable, sustainable and high-quality housing to all citizens, especially young people, for whom affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult to access.
He also reminded that the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted the National Housing Policy Plan at the end of March, a document that responds to all contemporary challenges in the housing sector. He emphasized that affordable housing does not only mean the construction of new housing units.
"In Croatia, there are 600 housing units that are currently not used for residential purposes, while at the same time the demand for new apartments is constantly growing. This paradox clearly shows that the construction of new buildings is not enough - what is needed is smart management of existing resources and adequate support for citizens through effective programs," explained Bačić.
Illegal builders will be severely punished
He also announced a new Affordable Housing Act, an upgrade of the existing Socially Incentive Housing Act, as well as amendments to the Act on the Treatment of Illegally Constructed Buildings. This will enable the legalization of buildings built before June 21, 2011, for which applications were not submitted on time. However, he stressed that there is no new wave of legalization and illegal builders will be severely punished.
Next year, he emphasized, illegal construction will be declared a criminal offense, in order to stop illegal construction and destruction of space.
He also reminded of the measure that has been in effect since June, which relates to a tax refund when acquiring the first residential property, intended for young people and young families, and the Affordable Rental Program, which is in public consultation, and whose goal is to activate empty housing units and make affordable housing more accessible to citizens, primarily young people and young families.
ArhiBau 2025 runs until Saturday, September 13, and the key topics of the fair include public investments and the construction of housing estates, planning investments in public housing, spatial planning and design, establishing a sustainable system of "industrialized" construction, and the long-term sustainability of publicly owned rental apartments.
Source: MPGI/Vlada/Hina
Photo: Vlada.hr
