Housing development in Belgium and Netherlands

In mid‑July 2026 the city of Antwerp announced a public‑private pilot to build 50 affordable rental apartments in Ekeren, with subsidies to keep rents at least 15 % below market rates and construction slated for 2028‑2030. At the same time, the province of Antwerp joined the Innovation Campus Geel partnership, investing €100 000 to expand regional innovation hubs.

A few weeks later, other housing projects received green lights. In Sint Joris Weert, Belgium, the provincial planning authority reversed an earlier negative opinion and approved a nine‑unit development linked to former mayor Albert Vandezande, supported by a coalition of local parties. In Veghel, Netherlands, the Council of State dismissed resident objections, allowing a site to host 100 tiny houses for up to 500 migrant workers, confirming the temporary nature and compliance with municipal rules.

Together, these actions illustrate a broader push across Belgium and into the Netherlands to expand both affordable long‑term housing and temporary accommodation for migrant workers, using public‑private partnerships, legal approvals, and regional innovation initiatives.