The State Duma is considering a proposal to introduce a preferential mortgage program with a 5% interest rate for medical workers, teachers, and scientists in Russia. This initiative aims to address the outflow of specialists, particularly from the healthcare and education sectors, by making housing more affordable.

The proposal comes as deputies express concerns that existing state support measures are inadequate for these professions. Sergey Mironov, leader of the Fair Russia — For Truth faction, emphasized that many professionals cannot afford housing on their current salaries, especially with high market mortgage rates.

Currently, programs like “Rural Teacher,” “Rural Doctor,” and “Rural Paramedic” offer one-time payments to those working in rural areas, but these amounts may not be sufficient to purchase adequate housing, especially in small towns. There are also housing payments available for young scientists under a certain age.

In addition to preferential mortgages, deputies are exploring other support measures, such as equating teachers, doctors, and scientists to officials for housing subsidies, and introducing preferential social rent with the option to buy.

Experts have differing opinions on the potential impact of the proposed mortgage program. Some believe it could be a timely and useful measure to retain young specialists in the regions by making homeownership more accessible. Valery Tumin, director of the Russian and CIS markets at fam Properties real estate agency, suggests that this initiative could incentivize professionals to stay in their fields and connect their long-term plans with their careers.

Others, however, express concerns about the potential negative consequences. Elena Zemtsova, managing partner of the Delta estate real estate agency, argues that a preferential mortgage program alone is insufficient and that a comprehensive approach, including reasonable down payments, is necessary. She also raises concerns that the program could inflate the mortgage bubble, increase government spending, and drive up apartment prices.

Some experts suggest that increasing wages and funding for the scientific sector would be more effective in attracting and retaining professionals than providing preferential mortgages. They believe that while the program may offer some benefits, it is unlikely to significantly improve the overall personnel situation in these critical sectors.