Hasselt Inspects Vacant Apartments in New Quartier Bleu; 19% Suspected Empty

The city of Hasselt is actively conducting vacancy checks in its new Quartier Bleu neighborhood, located by the canal. Initial inspections of the first block revealed that approximately 19% of the apartments may be vacant.

According to Alderman of Housing Dries Martens, the city is examining around 400 apartments across Quartier Bleu, block by block. So far, 14 to 15 owners in the first block of 80 units have been contacted due to suspected vacancies. These checks, which involve looking for signs like registered residency, mail, and utility usage, are expected to continue until the end of the year.

Owners found to have vacant properties can appeal the findings. Those who do not take action face vacancy taxes, starting at 3.10 euros per square meter annually, with a minimum of 1,400 euros. This amount can increase yearly if the property remains empty.

Martens stressed that the initiative's primary goal is not punitive but to alleviate Hasselt's housing pressure. "We are doing this because we notice that affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult for many people," he stated. The city aims to activate these vacant properties, encouraging their sale or rental to increase availability on the market.

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We are doing this because we notice that affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult for many people. It is very double now. There are many people visiting an apartment to be able to buy or rent an apartment, and at the same time, so many homes are vacant. So the goal of the vacancy regulation is primarily to activate those homes. Ensure that they are sold, ensure that they are rented out, that they come onto the market. That is the sole purpose of our regulation and of these checks.