Housing insecurity can influence whether people stay, return to Ukraine or move again.

According to our 2026 research, Navigating Return: Understanding the Challenges and Well-Being of Ukrainians Coming Home Amid Conflict (2026), more than 60% of return decisions are driven by cumulative “push factors” in host countries — especially the loss of temporary housing, expiring shelter contracts and rising living costs.

Our research also found that 50.6% of returnees cannot cover basic daily expenses, with housing and utilities representing their largest financial burden. Financial and housing security are also the strongest predictors of mental well-being among returnees.

The 25 September 2026 Letter to Parliament on the Reception of Displaced Persons from Ukraine points to a similar risk: ending access to shelter without affordable housing alternatives could increase the risk of homelessness and put pressure on people to return.

Housing support needs to be predictable both in host and origin countries.