Gent

Country

Population

262,219

Renting

3 Things...

1. Ghent is home to one of the largest car-free zones in Europe, allowing residents and visitors to explore the city's historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene without the disturbance of motor vehicles. 2. The city hosts the annual Gentse Feesten, a 10-day festival that transforms the streets into a lively celebration of music, theater, and art, attracting thousands of visitors each year. 3. Ghent is known for its unique blend of medieval and modern architecture, featuring stunning structures like the medieval Gravensteen Castle alongside contemporary designs, showcasing the city's rich history and innovative spirit.

Organisations

wooncoop

Inspiring Projects

Sociale woningen Nekkersput

Unlisted Orgs

Population (AI)

263,000

Enrich by AI!

Last edited

Sep 30, 2024 6:49 PM

Category

Local programs

Housing Market

In Ghent, Europe, the housing market is facing significant challenges. Approximately 40% of the city's inhabitants are unable to buy a house on the private market due to skyrocketing property prices and a lack of affordable housing options. This situation has left many residents reliant on renting, with 39% of the population renting on the private market, and 11% renting social housing. The city is addressing this housing crisis by promoting affordable housing solutions, such as social housing for rent and sale, and cooperative housing initiatives. These measures aim to provide more secure and affordable housing options for residents who cannot afford the high costs of the private market. The city's efforts include collaborations between the government and private sector to offer rental properties below market prices, ensuring that tenants have more security while landlords receive guaranteed payments. These initiatives are crucial for advancing affordable and sustainable housing in Ghent, helping to mitigate the housing crisis and improve living conditions for its residents.

Further Actors?

Cooperatives

The role of housing cooperatives in Ghent, Belgium, is significant in addressing the city's housing crisis. Ghent has a strong focus on social housing, with 15,000 social houses available, though this still leaves a substantial waiting list of 10,000 households. Housing cooperatives are part of the broader strategy to manage homelessness through prevention, crisis management, and permanent housing with support. In Ghent, housing cooperatives contribute to the social housing sector by providing affordable housing options for low- and middle-income households. The city promotes cooperative housing through various initiatives, such as the Social Rental Agency (SRA) model, which involves private developers building social housing units on city-offered land. Additionally, Ghent explores innovative financing models like Social Impact Bonds to support cooperative housing projects. While specific market share data for housing cooperatives in Ghent is not provided, the city's emphasis on cooperative housing is evident through its integrated action plans and partnerships with private developers and non-profit organizations. New housing cooperatives have emerged in recent years, with ongoing projects such as the renovation and construction of new social housing units.