Hasselt Starts Budget Rent Program for Middle-Income Earners

Hasselt, Belgium, is introducing a new housing initiative called "budget rent" to address the affordability gap for residents who fall between the cracks of social housing and the conventional rental market.

The program is designed for individuals and families who earn slightly too much to qualify for government-subsidized social housing but not enough to secure affordable accommodation in the regular market. "We want to give as many people as possible the chance for their own apartment or home," said Dries Martens, alderman for Social Housing Policy. "That's why we are now starting with budget rent."

The first project, located on Grote Baan in Kuringen, features 20 apartments. Of these, 13 will be allocated as social housing, while the remaining 7 will be offered as budget rental units. These budget apartments will be rented at a price 15% lower than the standard market rate, making them more accessible to the target group. Wonen in Limburg, a housing association, will manage the allocation and administration of these properties.

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We want to give as many people as possible the chance for their own apartment or home. That's why we are now starting with budget rent.

Martens explained that budget rent specifically targets those who cannot benefit from social support but lack the capital for the regular market, such as single individuals struggling to save enough for a deposit or initial rent. He noted that while social housing has waiting lists and conditions like work and language requirements, budget rent offers an alternative for those who don't meet those criteria but still face significant affordability challenges.

Hasselt plans to expand the budget rent scheme, with several dozen more budget apartments under construction in the Parkwijk area. Interested individuals can apply through the city of Hasselt.

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Budget rent is aimed at people who cannot benefit from social support from the government. At the same time, they are not wealthy enough to rent an apartment on the regular market.