Participants of the Home in the Arctic program will now be able to use their certificates for purposes beyond a mortgage down payment, such as building a single-family house or purchasing a house kit.

Previously, the program required certificates to be used exclusively for the initial mortgage installment. However, banks could still reject mortgage applications, even if pre-approved, leaving certificate holders unable to utilize their benefits.

“This created a situation where eligible participants obtained a Home in the Arctic certificate but couldn’t use it immediately, forcing them to return their certificates to the state,” explained the Murmansk Region Ministry of Construction.

The changes will also apply to certificates issued in 2025, though replacements will only be available to applicants who have not yet opened a special bank account to monetize their certificate.