BAKU, July 27, 2025 — In recent years, Azerbaijan has seen a steady rise in divorce rates. But behind the numbers lies an unexpected reality: many of these divorces are not the result of family conflict, but rather strategic moves driven by financial practicality.
According to real estate expert Elnur Farzaliyev, a major motivation for such “fake divorces” is tied to mortgage eligibility.
“When applying for a mortgage, banks assess the applicant’s solvency by subtracting minimum living expenses for all family members from their income. If the remaining amount is insufficient to repay the loan, couples often file for a formal divorce,” he explained.
Under this scheme, after the official separation, children usually remain with the mother, who waives alimony. As a result, the man is assessed as a single borrower, increasing his chances of being approved for a mortgage.
Another common scenario involves shielding assets from debt enforcement. When a person faces serious financial liabilities, couples may divorce and transfer property to the wife, thus protecting it from court-ordered seizures.
“In Baku, where large-scale demolition of old housing is underway, some families resort to divorce to split the living space in two. This way, each former spouse receives a separate apartment during resettlement, effectively doubling the compensation from developers,” Farzaliyev noted.
