New construction in Flanders hits 'historic low'
The number of new houses and renovations in Flanders is expected to drop significantly in the coming years, according to the construction federation Embuild Flanders.
The federation based its forecast on the number of building permits that have been applied for. They are calling for "drastic measures" to tackle the situation.
"New construction is in free fall"
In 2024, 44,609 building permits were applied for, a "historic low", according to Embuild Flanders. "New construction is in free fall," the federation said, with performance 40 per cent worse than in the peak year of 2019.
Volatile renovation market
The number of demolition and conversion projects is also falling, while the number of renovation permit applications has fallen by 6 per cent after a spike in 2023.
"The renovation market is too volatile to partially compensate for the structural decline in the new construction market," said Embuild Flanders.
"The uncertainty surrounding PFAS threatens to create further obstacles"
"Not only is construction activity and the number of housing projects declining, but the uncertainty surrounding PFAS threatens to create further obstacles," said Caroline Deiteren, director general of the federation.
The discovery of PFAS contamination on construction sites has slowed down a number of major projects in Flanders, including the redesign of the motorway around Antwerp.
Faster permit procedures
According to Deiteren, the sector, clients and residents deserve certainty. "A robust, safe and workable framework is urgently needed," she said.
The federation is calling for faster permit procedures and for the number of appeals against permits to be limited. Permit applications are an early indicator of trends in the construction market.
On Saturday, Embuild warned of a housing crisis if building policies are not changed, saying that Belgium must build 75,000 houses a year for the next five years to avoid such a crisis.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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