The number of new houses and renovations in Flanders is expected to decrease significantly in the coming years, according to the construction federation Embuild Flanders.
Embuild Flanders based this prediction on the number of building permits applied for. They are calling for "drastic measures" to tackle the situation.
In 2024, 44,609 permits for new construction were requested. This is a "historic low" according to Embuild Flanders. "New constructions are free-falling. We are performing 40% worse than in the peak year of 2019."
The number of demolition and reconstruction projects is also decreasing, while the number of renovation permit applications has dropped by 6% after a surge in 2023. "The renovation market is too volatile to partially compensate for the structural decline in the new construction market," stated the construction federation.
"Not only are construction activity and the number of housing projects decreasing, but the uncertainty surrounding PFAS is also threatening to create further obstacles," said Caroline Deiteren, Director-General of Embuild Flanders.
According to Deiteren, the sector, clients and residents deserve certainty. "A robust, safe, and feasible framework is urgently needed," she added.
The construction federation is calling for faster permit procedures and is asking to limit the number of appeals against those permits. Requested permits are an initial indicator of construction market trends.
