Overview of the Ghent Housing Referendum Follow‑up
The article, authored by Ward Schouppe and published by VRT NWS, analyses the outcomes one year after Ghent’s October 2023 housing referendum, which saw around 33 000 participants – roughly 80 % in favour of stronger affordable‑housing measures. The city pledged extensive actions to curb rising house and rent prices, and this piece details what has transpired, offering concrete data on property values, rental costs and municipal investments.
Current Housing Market Facts
Despite the referendum, house prices in Ghent have not fallen. Recent notarial data show an average house price of €380 000 and €310 000 for apartments. Rental prices remain high, with the average apartment costing €888 per month. These figures illustrate the continued pressure on households earning below €1 800 per month or lacking capital, underscoring the challenge of attaining affordable, quality housing.
Municipal Investment in Social Housing
The city has allocated €90 million to renovate existing social housing stock and to construct new units. Large new residential towers are now emerging, part of a broader renovation wave. The long‑term plan aims to add 10 000 social homes by 2050, representing a €2 billion investment that relies on co‑funding from the Flemish government.
Political Party Proposals on Affordable Housing
All major parties address housing, but their approaches differ. CD&V advocates incentives for owners to rent socially and simplifies regulations for co‑living models. Groen proposes a mandatory 30 % share of social homes in major projects and promotes energy‑efficient renovations. PVDA calls for the city development company sogent to focus exclusively on new social housing, demanding 30 % social and 30 % budget‑rent units in large schemes, and earmarks €50 million for the sector over six years. N‑VA emphasises increasing private‑market supply, higher building density and stricter residency checks, while Vlaams Belang pushes budget‑rent solutions for households caught between low income and market rents. Voor Gent highlights budget‑rent as a key lever and supports student‑village developments on municipal land.
Impact on Students and Demographic Pressure
Ghent faces a projected influx of 20 000 families by 2040 and a chronic shortage of student accommodation – up to 10 000 student rooms are missing. Many students reside in family homes due to the high cost of dedicated student housing, intensifying competition for affordable units and contributing to the overall scarcity.
Policy Instruments and Regulatory Changes
The city has introduced a city‑wide pre‑emption right, revised land‑use policy and aims to streamline building permits to accelerate construction. Renovation premiums are offered to landlords who cap rents, and certain neighbourhoods are targeted for “de‑kotting” to restore them as livable residential areas. Additionally, the mayor’s office seeks to coordinate large student‑housing projects to alleviate market pressure.
Outlook and Challenges Ahead
While €90 million has begun to materialise in new and refurbished social housing, the overall affordability gap persists. House prices remain high, and rent levels have not shown a downward trend. The success of the planned €2 billion, 10 000‑unit expansion will depend on sustained funding, effective coordination among parties, and the ability to balance new construction with preservation of open spaces.