Expensive mortgages have a noticeable impact on Russia’s demographic dynamics, a point highlighted during a discussion with the Rights of the Child Ombudsman in Tatarstan and Irina Volynets, the head of the National Parent Committee. The conversation revisited President Vladimir Putin’s directive from December 15, urging the government to formulate practical steps aimed at increasing natural population growth and raising life expectancy. The dialogue underscored the real-world barriers many families face, linking housing affordability directly to decisions about expanding families and the long-term social and economic health of the nation.
Several observers emphasized that rising living costs, especially housing expenses, discourage families from having more children. The ombudsman spoke from a perspective shaped by years of advocacy for children and families, noting that for households already stretched thin, the burden of mortgage payments can become a decisive factor in whether a couple chooses to start or grow a family. In this context, there was broad support for reducing mortgage rates to a more accessible level, with proposals suggesting a reduction to 2-3 percent. The argument extended beyond mere price cuts, envisioning a system where households would enjoy reliefs or exemptions after the birth of a second child, thereby directly tying fiscal policy to demographic goals.
Further discussion touched on creative policy ideas designed to sustain population growth. For instance, there was a proposal to consider state support for mortgage servicing following the birth of additional children, effectively sharing the burden between citizens and the state. Proponents argued that such measures would send a clear signal that family expansion is valued and supported by public policy, while also stabilizing long-term demand for housing and stimulating consumer confidence in the housing market. The conversation also reflected on how targeted incentives could work in tandem with broader social programs to improve living conditions for families, making it easier to plan growing families without sacrificing financial stability.
Historically, Volynets has previously approached policymakers with ideas that tie family welfare to broader national initiatives. One notable suggestion was the establishment of a dedicated Day of Pregnant Women in Russia, a symbolic gesture intended to elevate the importance of maternal health and family well-being within national discourse. The exchange highlighted ongoing efforts to connect legislative action with practical, on-the-ground support for families, reflecting a consistent theme: when policies align with the lived realities of parents, the potential for positive demographic outcomes increases. This ongoing dialogue mirrors a wider trend toward recognizing the pivotal role families play in shaping the country’s social and economic future, and it continues to influence how lawmakers, officials, and advocacy groups approach the complex task of balancing population growth with sustainable housing and financial stability.