Citizens in BiH finding it harder to afford a roof over their heads: Apartment prices up by 0.6 percent

Apartment prices in BiH in 2014 increased by about 0.6 percent compared to the same period last year, although apartments were already unattainable for a large number of citizens in the country in previous years, writes the BiH news agency Patria.

The highest interest rates for housing loans in the entire region, along with low and insecure salaries, are the main obstacles for citizens in BiH to secure a roof over their heads for themselves and their families. However, although the situation is difficult, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office, the average price of apartments completed in 2014 is 0.6% higher compared to the same period of the previous year, and it amounted to more than 1,500 KM per square meter.

The square meter of an apartment is most expensive in larger cities like Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Tuzla, Bihać, while apartments are more affordable in smaller cities, but the standard of living for people there is also considerably lower.

Analysts warn that the country's authorities must urgently provide more favorable conditions for citizens, especially young married couples, to purchase an apartment. This would not only increase the number of marriages in the country but also stimulate construction in BiH, writes NAP.