Heusden-Zolder (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The first budget rental apartments in Flanders, Schuttershof in Heusden-Zolder, were completed by Vestio, Ethias, and Group Machiels. Minister Matthias Diependaele approved 22 affordable units for the November 2025 move-in.
As VRT News reported, the first apartment building in Flanders offering budget rents has been completed in Heusden-Zolder, in the province of Limburg, Belgium. The Schuttershof residence, built by Vestio, Ethias, and Group Machiels, has 40 modern apartments.
22 of these will be rented at budget-friendly prices. The apartments will be offered under the new brand “Best Huur” (Best Rent). Residents can move in from November 2025. This project is the first budget rental initiative in Flanders.
What makes Heusden-Zolder’s Schuttershof Flanders’ first budget rent?
Budget rent is aimed at middle-income families who fall outside of the parameters for social housing but still earn below the income caps set by the Flemish government. The Heusden-Zolder Schuttershof residence offers affordable apartments that meet current standards of living. Rents in this project are about 15% lower than similar apartments, calculated using the Flemish rental simulator.
As Ed Somers of Vestio explains, a 1-bedroom apartment in Schuttershof rents for about €650 to €700 per month, while a 2-bedroom apartment rents for approximately €800 or €850 per month. By comparison, similar apartments with underground parking in Heusden-Zolder are priced to rent for €950 per month. Somers also comments on how the project is a perfect model of how the government and private sector together can provide housing at an affordable price.
The idea of budget rent in Flanders emerged in the early 2020s as a response to rising rental prices and the gap between social housing eligibility and market rents. In 2023, the Schuttershof residence in Heusden-Zolder became the first project to receive approval in principle from the Minister of Housing, Matthias Diependaele (N-VA).
The concept was designed to provide middle-income households with affordable rental options without relying on social housing subsidies. The project combines public support with private sector investment, demonstrating a new model of collaboration to tackle housing affordability.
