Rebuilding Trust and Homes: The Moldovan Startup Transforming Ukraine's Real Estate Landscape
May 8, 2025, 9:45 am

Location: Belgium, Brussels-Capital, Brussels
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1958
Total raised: $310.85K
In the shadow of war, innovation blooms. Ukraine, a nation battered by conflict, faces a staggering housing crisis. The destruction is palpable. Bombed-out buildings litter the landscape. Yet, amid the rubble, a glimmer of hope emerges. Enter DOMOVA, a Moldovan startup that is rewriting the rules of real estate in war-torn Ukraine.
Imagine a marketplace where dilapidated buildings become opportunities. DOMOVA is that marketplace. It connects owners of damaged properties with investors eager to breathe new life into these structures. The startup's mission is clear: to facilitate the profitable sale of uninhabitable homes and buildings. In a country where 13% of housing stock has been compromised, the need for such a platform is urgent.
Before the war, Ukraine had over 40,000 recognized dilapidated houses. Now, that number has skyrocketed to around 250,000. The war has exacerbated an already dire situation. Many families find themselves trapped in homes that are no longer safe. Selling these properties is a daunting task. How do you sell a home that is barely standing? DOMOVA provides the answer.
The platform operates like a digital bridge. It unites apartment owners, allowing them to sell entire buildings to investors or construction companies. This collective approach maximizes profit. Homeowners can receive 10-20% above market value by selling their properties as a group. It’s a win-win situation. Investors see potential in the land, while sellers get a fair price for their homes.
The startup's revenue model is straightforward. DOMOVA charges investors a fee of 10-12% for facilitating the sale. Sellers pay nothing. This structure fosters trust and encourages participation. In a region where skepticism runs deep, building trust is paramount.
Homeownership is a cornerstone of life in Ukraine and Moldova. Unlike many Western nations, where renting is the norm, most people in these countries own their homes. Property is relatively affordable, making it accessible even for those on modest incomes. This cultural backdrop makes DOMOVA's mission even more significant. The startup not only addresses a housing crisis but also taps into a deep-seated desire for ownership.
The appeal of real estate in Ukraine remains strong, even amid uncertainty. Local laws allow for diverse reconstruction projects, from residential buildings to business centers. Investors are keenly aware of this potential. They see opportunities where others see despair. In Odesa, for instance, a building damaged by a missile became a unique investment opportunity. By uniting 20 flats, DOMOVA facilitated a sale that benefited all parties involved.
Yet, the path is not without obstacles. Many homeowners struggle to accept the reality of their situation. Mistrust lingers, rooted in a history of corruption and scams. For many, their home is their only asset, and letting go is a daunting prospect. DOMOVA faces the challenge of educating these homeowners. They must convey the benefits of selling and the potential for a brighter future.
The startup's approach is not just about transactions; it's about transformation. It aims to reshape the real estate landscape in Ukraine. By digitizing the buying process, DOMOVA simplifies transactions. Investors can access an interactive map showcasing available properties. The platform handles financial, architectural, and legal compliance, making it easier for all parties involved.
As the war continues, international investors are eyeing Ukraine's housing market. They see potential returns of 30-40% annually. The allure of affordable properties in a recovering market is hard to resist. However, the startup ensures that local homeowners are not pushed out. Some owners even opt for new apartments instead of cash, demonstrating the flexibility of the platform.
DOMOVA's impact extends beyond mere transactions. It fosters a sense of community. By uniting homeowners, it creates a collective voice. This collaboration is essential in a country where individual struggles often go unheard. The startup is not just selling properties; it is rebuilding lives.
In a world where trust is fragile, DOMOVA stands as a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the power of innovation in the face of adversity. The startup is not just about real estate; it is about restoring dignity and opportunity. As Ukraine navigates the complexities of recovery, platforms like DOMOVA will play a crucial role in shaping the future.
In conclusion, the Moldovan startup DOMOVA is more than a business. It is a lifeline for many Ukrainians. By transforming the real estate landscape, it offers a path forward. The journey is fraught with challenges, but the potential for change is immense. In the heart of destruction, DOMOVA is planting the seeds of renewal. The future may be uncertain, but with innovation and trust, rebuilding is possible.
Imagine a marketplace where dilapidated buildings become opportunities. DOMOVA is that marketplace. It connects owners of damaged properties with investors eager to breathe new life into these structures. The startup's mission is clear: to facilitate the profitable sale of uninhabitable homes and buildings. In a country where 13% of housing stock has been compromised, the need for such a platform is urgent.
Before the war, Ukraine had over 40,000 recognized dilapidated houses. Now, that number has skyrocketed to around 250,000. The war has exacerbated an already dire situation. Many families find themselves trapped in homes that are no longer safe. Selling these properties is a daunting task. How do you sell a home that is barely standing? DOMOVA provides the answer.
The platform operates like a digital bridge. It unites apartment owners, allowing them to sell entire buildings to investors or construction companies. This collective approach maximizes profit. Homeowners can receive 10-20% above market value by selling their properties as a group. It’s a win-win situation. Investors see potential in the land, while sellers get a fair price for their homes.
The startup's revenue model is straightforward. DOMOVA charges investors a fee of 10-12% for facilitating the sale. Sellers pay nothing. This structure fosters trust and encourages participation. In a region where skepticism runs deep, building trust is paramount.
Homeownership is a cornerstone of life in Ukraine and Moldova. Unlike many Western nations, where renting is the norm, most people in these countries own their homes. Property is relatively affordable, making it accessible even for those on modest incomes. This cultural backdrop makes DOMOVA's mission even more significant. The startup not only addresses a housing crisis but also taps into a deep-seated desire for ownership.
The appeal of real estate in Ukraine remains strong, even amid uncertainty. Local laws allow for diverse reconstruction projects, from residential buildings to business centers. Investors are keenly aware of this potential. They see opportunities where others see despair. In Odesa, for instance, a building damaged by a missile became a unique investment opportunity. By uniting 20 flats, DOMOVA facilitated a sale that benefited all parties involved.
Yet, the path is not without obstacles. Many homeowners struggle to accept the reality of their situation. Mistrust lingers, rooted in a history of corruption and scams. For many, their home is their only asset, and letting go is a daunting prospect. DOMOVA faces the challenge of educating these homeowners. They must convey the benefits of selling and the potential for a brighter future.
The startup's approach is not just about transactions; it's about transformation. It aims to reshape the real estate landscape in Ukraine. By digitizing the buying process, DOMOVA simplifies transactions. Investors can access an interactive map showcasing available properties. The platform handles financial, architectural, and legal compliance, making it easier for all parties involved.
As the war continues, international investors are eyeing Ukraine's housing market. They see potential returns of 30-40% annually. The allure of affordable properties in a recovering market is hard to resist. However, the startup ensures that local homeowners are not pushed out. Some owners even opt for new apartments instead of cash, demonstrating the flexibility of the platform.
DOMOVA's impact extends beyond mere transactions. It fosters a sense of community. By uniting homeowners, it creates a collective voice. This collaboration is essential in a country where individual struggles often go unheard. The startup is not just selling properties; it is rebuilding lives.
In a world where trust is fragile, DOMOVA stands as a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the power of innovation in the face of adversity. The startup is not just about real estate; it is about restoring dignity and opportunity. As Ukraine navigates the complexities of recovery, platforms like DOMOVA will play a crucial role in shaping the future.
In conclusion, the Moldovan startup DOMOVA is more than a business. It is a lifeline for many Ukrainians. By transforming the real estate landscape, it offers a path forward. The journey is fraught with challenges, but the potential for change is immense. In the heart of destruction, DOMOVA is planting the seeds of renewal. The future may be uncertain, but with innovation and trust, rebuilding is possible.