Vlaams minister van Wonen Melissa Depraetere zet in op coöperatieve woonvorm

The article, published by Coöperatief Wonen, outlines Flemish Minister of Housing Melissa Depraetere’s policy agenda for the 2024‑2029 period, emphasizing cooperative and innovative housing models. The piece originates from an automatically extracted website source and is part of the EHC tenant‑library‑promotion routine, linking to broader Flemish housing research.

Depraetere positions cooperative housing as a niche yet vital complement to traditional rental and ownership markets in Flanders. The policy note calls for a “level playing field” for cooperative, co‑housing, and temporary‑right arrangements such as leasehold and building‑right, signalling targeted legislative and financial measures.

A core challenge identified is the difficulty new housing cooperatives face in securing financing. The minister has commissioned research into the financial‑economic implications of cooperative living to clarify its potential against conventional models. Findings are intended to inform concrete solutions for the current funding gaps.

The proposal includes revising existing instruments like the “Mijn VerbouwPremie” incentive to better align with cooperative projects. Such adjustments aim to make cooperative and shared‑housing schemes more accessible and financially viable, reinforcing their role in the Flemish housing system.

While cooperative housing remains in its early stages, the minister’s agenda seeks to expand its share within the regional market. By combining research, policy reform, and financial support, the strategy aspires to integrate sustainable, community‑based housing into mainstream planning across Flanders.