Aze.US
Azerbaijani lawmakers have proposed drafting a comprehensive law to regulate the advance and fair compensation of property owners whose real estate is demolished for state or public needs, amid ongoing legal disputes linked to urban redevelopment projects.
Member of parliament Nurlan Hasanov said the proposed legislation should clearly define the authority of decision-making bodies, as well as the procedures, criteria and payment mechanisms governing compensation for expropriated residential and commercial property.
Redevelopment of aging or аварийных buildings, construction of new housing complexes and urban improvement initiatives have frequently triggered court disputes between authorities, developers and property owners. Disagreements typically concern compensation amounts, provision of alternative housing, rental payments and relocation terms.
Current legislation in Azerbaijan regulates land acquisition primarily for limited categories of state needs, such as infrastructure construction or border security. However, the legal basis for demolishing unsafe residential buildings and relocating residents remains procedurally complex and fragmented, creating regulatory uncertainty.
Legal analysts warn that insufficient safeguards could be interpreted as unlawful interference with property rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, potentially exposing the country to future rulings by the European Court of Human Rights.
Compensation disputes have also contributed to delays in construction projects while simultaneously affecting residents who have already agreed to relocation but are still awaiting new housing.
Parliament has approved in the first reading a related bill expanding the grounds for land acquisition for state needs, while discussions on broader compensation regulation continue.