Mechelen (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): De Vrije Woonst a historic garden district in Mechelen is undergoing revitalization as Woonland sells vacant properties to private buyers for renovation aiming to improve affordability and housing standards in the area.
De Vrije Woonst is a garden district established in 1922 by a tenants’ cooperative. It is located near Tervuursesteenweg in Mechelen. The goal of this cooperative was to provide affordable and well-designed housing in a green environment. Over the years different organizations have managed the homes in this district. A few years ago the properties were transferred to Woonmaatschappij Rivierenland commonly known as Woonland. Woonland is a housing association responsible for managing and developing residential properties in the region. They are now overseeing the sale of homes in the De Vrije Woonst district. This transition allows for the continued development and maintenance of the neighborhood while providing new opportunities for residents to own homes in this historically significant area.
What strategies are being implemented in Mechelen to address the issue of vacant houses and affordable housing?
In the neighborhood about 70 houses are currently vacant because they no longer meet current housing standards. To address this issue the housing association plans to sell these properties in bulk alongside the city authorities. The goal is to transfer ownership to private individuals who are willing to purchase and renovate these houses themselves. This approach is aimed at revitalizing the neighborhood by encouraging private investment and bringing the properties up to modern standards. By doing this the housing association and the city hope to improve the overall quality of housing in the area and boost local development.
“Affordable housing is a challenge in Mechelen, we should not be coy about that”
Greet Geypen (Open VLD), Alderman for Housing
Affordable housing is a significant issue in Mechelen, as noted by Greet Geypen, the Housing alderman. Many people enjoy living in Mechelen making it a desirable residential area which naturally affects property prices. To tackle this the city enforces rules in large housing projects to ensure a portion of homes remains affordable specifically targeting young starters and singles just above the social rent threshold. Buyers must live in the homes as their main residence for at least 10 years. The first five homes will be sold publicly at the end of September with prices ranging from 150,000 to 170,000 euros and additional homes will be released monthly. While the layouts of the homes are consistent, there will be variations in garden size number of bedrooms and overall condition.
