Belgian Zenne Valley municipalities to prioritize long-term residents for social housing from 2027

Starting in 2027, seven municipalities in Belgium's Zenne Valley will implement a new social housing allocation system. The reform, spearheaded by Woonpunt Zennevallei, aims to give priority to residents with strong local ties, a move intended to ease pressure on waiting lists and recognize long-term community members.

Halle, Beersel, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Drogenbos, Linkebeek, and Pepingen are jointly introducing the new regulations. Under the revised system, individuals who have resided in a municipality for at least 20 years, or spent at least 10 years there before turning 18, will receive the highest priority. This group will form the first tier on the waiting list, followed by those with a minimum of 10 years of residency. Candidates without significant local connections will be considered later.

According to Eddy Deknopper, Beersel's alderman for housing policy, the system accounts for young people who may temporarily live elsewhere for studies. "Those who move for education do not lose their connection to the municipality," he stated. "This priority will be maintained upon their return."

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Those who move for education do not lose their connection to the municipality. This priority will be maintained upon their return.

The reform comes as the demand for social housing remains high, with 6,969 families currently on the Woonpunt Zennevallei waiting list. The local authorities seek to prevent long-term residents, who contribute to the community's social fabric, from being disadvantaged compared to newcomers.

This principle of local connection is not new to the region. Woonpunt Zennevallei was once a pioneer in this area in Flanders. However, adjustments in Flemish regulations necessitated a weakening of these rules. "Local ties were put on the back burner for a while," Deknopper admitted, "but they are now being strengthened again, within the limits set by Flanders. The new system has also been coordinated with Wonen Vlaanderen."

While prioritizing local residents, the system also reserves 20 percent of social housing for individuals in acute need, such as the homeless or those at risk of losing their homes. Local ties remain a factor here, with priority given to those already receiving support within their own municipality. Existing targeted housing plans are also maintained, with specific allocations for seniors in Halle, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, and Linkebeek, and adapted housing for wheelchair users in several municipalities.

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Local ties were put on the back burner for a while, but they are now being strengthened again, within the limits set by Flanders.