Nov-Dec 2023 Armenia Rapid Housing Needs Assessment & Strategic Response Framework project

Between September 24 and October 4, 2023, over 100,000 ethnic Armenians—comprising 3% of Armenia’s population—were forcibly displaced from their homeland, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), following a renewed escalation of the long-standing regional conflict. Fleeing the crisis, they sought refuge in Armenia, triggering an urgent humanitarian and housing crisis. In response, the World Bank, with the support of the Urban Foundation, launched the Armenia Rapid Housing Needs Assessment to evaluate the immediate housing needs of displaced population and identify viable policy solutions for the Armenian government.

Deportation of Artsakh Armenians (Photo credit: https://forrights.am)

The Urban Foundation examined existing housing subsidy programs and conducted a rapid review of housing purchase certificate utilization by households displaced by the 1988 earthquake and previous refugee movements. To provide a comprehensive overview, the Urban Foundation also carried out a high-level housing market analysis.

This included mapping the available housing stock across urban and rural areas, assessing regional disparities, and identifying the number of vacant units. The analysis further explored supply dynamics based on key factors such as cost, location, and tenure options.

Finally, the Foundation studied the post-1988 Spitak earthquake housing certificate program, assessed the effectiveness of ongoing housing purchase certificate initiatives, and examined the legal framework governing their implementation. The findings from this assessment aim to inform evidence-based policy decisions and contribute to the development of sustainable housing solutions for displaced populations.

Funding: The World Bank

Implementation: The Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development

Beneficiaries: Government of Armenia