PARL. PASSES LAW ON SOCIALLY STIMULATED HOUSING CONSTRUCTION

ZAGREB, Nov 30 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament on Friday passed a law on socially stimulated housing construction which should enabled citizens to buy apartments under more favourable conditions. At the same time the law would encourage the revival of the construction industry and overall economy. The apartments would be sold on the instalment plan - the longest payment period being 31 years, and an interest rate not higher than five percent. The buyer would have to pay 15 percent of the overall amount in advance, while the monthly instalment for a 50 square-metre apartment would range between 350 and 400 German marks. The state budget for this year ensures 90 million kuna (DM23.8 million) for socially stimulated housing construction. According to government's assessments, this amount will be sufficient for the building of about 1,500 apartment of 50 square metres. Resuming its 18th session, the parliament adopted a report on the state portfolio analysis, including the results of the privatisation process. The parliament dismissed a motion of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) under which the government would be obliged to draw up a final privatisation bill by the next parliamentary session. (hina) it