| Abstract: | The survey data for this article was collected by the Center for Social Policy (Antwerp University). At regular intervals,
they question a representative number of Belgian families in order to make the operation and effects of social policy measurable.
On the basis of that data, this article traces the evolution of housing indicators in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of
Belgium. After outlining the key issues in housing policy in Belgium and Flanders, the article presents the facts: for several
population groups, it sketches the developments of tenure, housing amenities, housing costs, and affordability. The emerging
picture is one of overall improvement. Nevertheless, some groups lag behind, while new social groups in need of housing emerge
(e.g., lone parents). Age and the number of incomes per family seem to be the breaking points.
The second part deals specifically with the housing situation of young families (head under 40 years of age). This population
group is (historically) responsible for most new building of houses in Belgium and Flanders. Since we observe a decline in
ownership, the reasons for this decline are of strategic importance to our understanding of the level of new housing construction
and scarcity on the housing market.
At the time of the research,Pascal De Decker (sociologist and urban planner) held an appointment at the Center for Housing and Housing Policy (Steunpunt voor Wonen en
Woonbeleid) at Antwerp University (UFSIA). At present, he is an expert consultant to the Cabinet of the Flemish Minister for
Urban Policy and Housing.
Bert Meulemans (sociologist) supervised the reported research on target groups. He is a researcher at the Center for Social Policy (Centrum
voor Sociaal Beleid) at Antwerp University (UFSIA)
Veerle Geurts (criminologist) is a researcher at the Center for Housing and Housing Policy (Steunpunt voor Wonen en Woonbeleid) at Antwerp
University (UFSIA) |
