City of Skopje approves Levica plan to waive part of land‑development fee for young married couples

The City of Skopje has approved a proposal from the Levica party that reduces up-front costs for young married couples building their first family home, city officials announced. The relief applies to the portion of the land-development fee that accrues to the City of Skopje; any fee share due to the municipality where the plot is located remains payable.

Who qualifies and what size is covered

The measure targets married couples in which neither spouse owns another residential property suitable for living, and who are constructing the house for their own needs. The exemption will apply to the first 100 square metres of net residential area; if a house exceeds that size, the fee waiver covers only the initial 100 m² and the remainder is charged under existing rules.

The initiative was submitted by the Levica council group on 30 September and later accepted by the city administration. Levica presented the change as a way to lower the initial financial burden for young families facing high construction material prices, labour costs and administrative charges.

The party said the proposal aims to make it easier for young people to set up households and remain in Skopje rather than relocate. City officials emphasised that the exemption concerns solely the City of Skopje’s revenue component of the fee.

In its statement the party argued: "Creating a family and securing your own home must not be a privilege available only to those with high incomes or inherited property. Local government has an obligation to create policies that help young people form families, build their own home and see their future in Skopje."

Levica added it will continue to advocate for local measures that provide direct support to young residents and reduce barriers to home ownership.

Photo: Printskrin