Government to unveil state real estate purchase strategy Thursday

Minister of Public Administration Jaak Aab (Centre).
Minister of Public Administration Jaak Aab (Centre). Source: Siim Lõvi/ERR

The coalition government agreed on its nationwide real estate investment strategy for the coming year at a meeting on Monday night, and is set to finalize its plans on Thursday.

Minister of Public Administration Jaak Aab (Centre) is to review the agreement and outline a more precise plan at the next cabinet meeting on Thursday, according to ERR's online news in Estonian.

"Investments are coming, that's all I can say," Aab told ERR Tuesday.

"But the extent of these, I will calculate in the light of last night's agreement," he continued.

Aab was also unable to name any specific real estate objects which the government might pick up, though investments are likely to come in at €60-70 million over the next year, as they had been in previous years, according to Aab.

"It may be the case that what I say today turns out to be the opposite of what the cabinet decides Thursday, so I just can't say at this stage, due to this reason," Aab added.

The level might be slightly lower due to priority taken by the eastern border reconstruction, however, Aab said, adding that to an extent the government has already made decisions, with only the larger projects till up in the air.

"Some projects were decided as early as spring or early summer. For example, Kääriku sports center (in southeastern Estonia-ed.) got €2.6 million for its sports complex," Aab added.

"The issue of the Pärnu rescue center, under construction, was raised too. CO2 money was a factor there as well. Smaller things were decided on, with only the bigger projects to be finalized Thursday," Aab continued.

Aab had also appeared on ETV current affairs show "Aktuaalne kaamera" Monday evening, where he noted that the Estonian state could also lend a hand in the private real estate sector, by acting as a guarantor, particularly for families and individuals outside of the main population centers of Tallinn and Tartu and their environs.

"The state could help [these people] out with its financial instruments by acting as a guarantor. We also have [state-owned financial institution] Kredex, which is developing this activity, but this could include a broader regional policy measure, otherwise we will be unable to halt the process of rural flight," Aab said, adding that more detailed solutions should be unveiled by the government over the next six months.

Download the ERR News app for Android and iOS now and never miss an update!

Editor: Andrew Whyte

Hea lugeja, näeme et kasutate vanemat brauseri versiooni või vähelevinud brauserit.

Parema ja terviklikuma kasutajakogemuse tagamiseks soovitame alla laadida uusim versioon mõnest meie toetatud brauserist: