Revamping Urban Landscapes: Netherlands to Convert Empty Office Buildings into Housing

The Netherlands is planning to transform empty office buildings on city peripheries into housing, addressing the country's housing shortage.

Real EstateHousing ShortageNetherlandsOffice BuildingsColliersReal Estate NewsJun 13, 2024

Revamping Urban Landscapes: Netherlands to Convert Empty Office Buildings into Housing
Real Estate News:The Netherlands can take a significant step towards addressing its housing shortage by converting empty office buildings on the edges of cities and close to highways into housing units. According to real estate advisor Colliers, this innovative approach can create homes for over 60,000 households.

The Dutch government aims to build 980,000 homes by 2030 and likely another million in the years after that to combat the housing shortage. However, achieving this goal is proving to be a significant challenge. Finding suitable land, preparing it, and building houses takes a lot of time. The overcrowded electricity grid is an additional obstacle.

Colliers has identified 18 highway locations where the government can transform increasingly vacant office buildings into housing. The approximately 3.8 million square meters of office space can be converted into over 60,000 homes. For comparison, Leiden has about 64,000 homes.

Madeline Buijs, a housing expert at Colliers, emphasized the potential of this approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes can be created by converting empty office buildings in the Netherlands?

According to Colliers, over 60,000 homes can be created by transforming empty office buildings on the edges of cities and close to highways into housing units.

What is the Dutch government's goal for building new homes by 2030?

The Dutch government aims to build 980,000 homes by 2030 and likely another million in the years after that to combat the housing shortage.

What are the advantages of converting office buildings into housing units?

The advantages include leveraging existing infrastructure and utilities, reducing construction time and costs, and addressing the housing shortage more quickly.

Which province has the most office buildings that can be converted into housing units?

Noord-Holland has the most office buildings that can be converted, potentially creating 25,000 new homes.

How can municipalities and provinces facilitate housing construction?

Municipalities and provinces can facilitate housing construction by implementing clear communication, accelerated procedures, taking soundproofing measures, and investing in public transport.

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