One of the main challenges Bulgaria faces in the housing policy sphere is establishing an efficient subsidy system.

Mismanagement and poor maintenance of aging constructions were the other problems in the sector, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported.

Deputy Regional Development Minister Kalin Rogachev presented the information during an international forum aimed at improving housing fund management in Bulgaria by using the practices of EU member states. The Foundation of Local Government Reform and the Dutch governmental programme MATRA organised the meeting, BNR said.

Another market tendency causing ministry concern was the increasing number of households which could not afford proper house maintenance.

Statistics revealed that over 90 per cent of Bulgarians owned the apartments they lived in. State-owned apartmants totalled only three per cent of the country's housing fund, Rogachev said. The uneven distribution of state apartments further hinders proper management, he added.

Over 100 municipality, bank and private company representatives took part in the forum. Rogachev called for more joint initiatives between the public and private sectors to improve housing policies.