Over 30,000 homes in Flanders have remained vacant for at least a year, hitting a record high in 2025, as rising renovation costs and fragmented data collection complicate efforts to address the housing crisis.
The number of long-term vacant homes in Flanders has reached a record 30,807, according to a report by De Tijd, marking a 38.5% increase since 2020 and a 3.4% rise from 2024. This surge underscores a growing disconnect between the region’s urgent need for affordable housing and the challenges of revitalizing empty properties.
Record High in Vacant Homes
Flanders’ 2025 data reveals that 30,807 homes have been unoccupied for over a year, the highest level ever recorded. The increase is particularly stark in residential properties, raising concerns about how to convert these spaces into viable housing options. This trend is alarming given the pressing demand for affordable housing, noted De Tijd in its analysis.
The statistics, compiled by the regional housing agency Wonen in Vlaanderen, show a 38.5% rise in vacancies since 2020, with an additional 8,500 properties left empty compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, experts warn the true figure may be higher due to inconsistent reporting across the region’s 285 municipalities.
Aantal leegstaande woningen in Vlaanderen bereikt recordhoogte, maar zijn
Challenges in Tracking and Addressing Vacancy
Despite the alarming numbers, Flanders lacks a centralized database to track vacant properties, with only 215 of 285 municipalities contributing data. This fragmentation has led to underreporting, as noted by De Tijd, which questioned the reliability of Wonen in Vlaanderen’s claims about improved record-keeping.
Pascal De Decker, emeritus professor of housing policy at KU Leuven, highlighted the variability in how municipalities manage vacancy data. The accuracy of reporting differs widely, he said, advocating for a transparent, public registry to ensure consistent oversight. Without this, it’s hard to know where to focus efforts.
Economic and Regulatory Barriers to Revitalization
Renovating vacant homes faces significant hurdles. Rising material costs, energy prices, and stringent energy efficiency regulations have made revitalization financially daunting. Homeowners must now upgrade properties with EPC ratings of E or F to at least D within six years, a requirement that adds to the burden.
Le nombre de logements vacants en Flandre atteint un
A home that seems affordable on paper can quickly become a financial strain after purchase, said De Tijd. The report emphasized that many vacant homes require extensive repairs, deterring buyers who cannot afford both the purchase price and renovation costs. The gap between availability and affordability is widening, it added.
Call for Systemic Reform
Experts stress that addressing the vacancy crisis requires more than better data. The solution isn’t just about tracking empty homes—it’s about making them accessible, said De Decker. He called for policies that reduce renovation costs and incentivize property reuse, particularly in areas with high demand for housing.
As Flanders grapples with this dual challenge of rising vacancies and housing shortages, the need for coordinated action grows clearer. Without systemic reforms, the region risks exacerbating its affordability crisis while leaving thousands of homes unused.
The 30,807 figure represents the highest level of long-term vacancy since Wonen in Vlaanderen began collecting data. However, the agency’s own claims about improved record-keeping have not been independently verified, according to De Tijd. The lack of a unified database means that the true scale of the problem remains obscured, with only 215 of 285 municipalities reporting data.
Incendies en Europe
Renovation costs have surged in recent years, with energy, materials, and labor expenses contributing to the financial burden. Properties purchased since 2023 with EPC ratings of E or F must be renovated to at least a D rating within six years, further complicating the process of reoccupying vacant homes. These requirements, combined with inflation and uncertain labor markets, leave many potential buyers unable to afford the necessary investments.
Experts argue that the crisis is not solely a matter of data gaps but also of structural barriers. The high costs of compliance with energy regulations, coupled with the physical deterioration of many vacant properties, mean that even if homes are available, they may not be immediately viable. This disconnect between supply and demand has left policymakers and residents alike searching for solutions.
Pascal De Decker’s call for a centralized, transparent registry reflects broader concerns about the lack of coordination across Flanders’ municipalities. While some local authorities have improved their reporting, others lag behind, creating a patchwork of data that hinders effective policy responses. Addressing this inconsistency is seen as a critical first step in tackling the crisis.
The situation has prompted renewed debates about the role of public and private sectors in addressing housing shortages. Some stakeholders argue that financial incentives for property owners to renovate and sell vacant homes could help bridge the gap. Others emphasize the need for stricter enforcement of existing regulations to ensure that vacant properties are not left unused for extended periods.
As the housing crisis deepens, the pressure on local governments and housing agencies to act grows. With the number of long-term vacant homes at a record high, the urgency to develop comprehensive strategies—ranging from improved data collection to targeted financial support—has never been greater.
