Affordable Student Accommodation: The Solution to Rising Rent Prices in Belgium

2023-12-18 19:33:00

Kots have never been so expensive. The price of rent for these student accommodations has increased by 20% in three years. This is why the Walloon region has released 45 million euros to finance the construction of 770 new “social” kots, at more affordable prices, particularly in Louvain-la-Neuve.

In Louvain-la-Neuve, two buildings will be built on a plot of greenery, near the lake. Inside these buildings, 94 so-called social shelters will be set up. For a room of 10 square meters and a common area, you will have to pay 280 euros per month and 90 euros in charges. “So it’s true that the charges will increase but it remains relatively affordable. 280 + 90, we are really in a reasonable range for students. It’s really for families in a precarious state.” indicates Quyên Chau, managing director of the public service housing company Notre Maison.

In Belgium today, the average rent for a kot is 565 euros including charges. That is 100 euros more than three years ago, with amounts sometimes much higher. For example, Agathe’s parents pay 750 euros per month for her accommodation. And they pay extra for internet and electricity. “I’m lucky, but obviously not everyone can have that. This can be a hindrance for people who don’t have the means.”regrets the student.

In Louvain-la-Neuve, 4,000 students benefit from a study allowance, a grant to help them. It sometimes amounts to several thousand euros per year.

A social service manager, who says she is faced with the growing precariousness of students, is delighted with the arrival of new accommodation at reasonable prices. “Housing is the major cost in the cost of studies. A moderate rent, a rent that is contained, really promotes access to higher education”, underlines Florence Vanderstichelen, director of the student support service at UCLouvain.

For these 94 social housing units, Wallonia is releasing more than 5 million euros. The hope of the project managers is that they will be accessible for the start of the 2025 school year.

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