A detached house remains the preferred choice for Belgians searching for a home, according to a survey by iVOX of 1,000 Belgians aged over 25. New living and building concepts, such as tiny houses and co-housing, are significantly less popular.
Only modular housing stands out as an alternative building method, with 41% of Belgians interested in alternative housing options considering building a modular home. Between now and 2030, Belgium must build 75,000 additional homes annually to avoid a housing crisis. Modular construction can deliver quality homes rapidly and efficiently.
However, the Belgian construction federation Embuild also urges authorities to issue building permits more quickly and to allow for taller buildings.
Batibouw, the annual construction trade fair, finishes on Sunday after one week at the Brussels Expo. Research by iVOX, commissioned by this housing fair, reveals that 42% of Belgians still prefer a detached house, followed by an apartment (35%), a semi-detached house (21%), and a terraced house (14%).
Belgians continue to have traditional expectations when it comes to choosing a home. It is therefore not surprising that alternative housing options, such as tiny houses and co-housing, are not considered an option by three-quarters of Belgians.
The future of housing
Among new housing concepts, modular homes are seen as the most viable alternative: 41% of Belgians interested in alternative housing options are considering choosing such a home. Embuild believes that modular homes provide an answer to the growing housing shortage because they can be built quickly and efficiently. They can therefore help meet the urgent need for additional homes.
Modular homes will make it more achievable to build the 375,000 additional homes our country needs by 2030. It provides a solution to quality homes built quickly. Another advantage is that modular construction guarantees flexibility in design and execution, allowing homes to be tailored to consumer needs.
To avert a housing crisis, Embuild is calling on authorities to grant more and faster permits for construction projects. Additionally, they are urging municipal authorities to be more accommodating when additional floors are added to buildings. Currently, many local councils believe low-rise buildings preserve the rural character of their municipalities. However, given the construction shift, which is supported by our sector, there is no choice but to build upwards to provide enough additional homes for everyone.
A new-build house on sale in Kortrijk. Credit: Belga
Finally, the construction federation emphasizes that private individuals currently have every reason to start a (re)construction project. Housing prices are stabilizing: in Brussels (down 1%) and Wallonia (down 2.5%) prices have fallen on an annual basis, while in Flanders, prices have risen less than inflation. Moreover, the price of building materials has stabilized since 2023. In addition, with a mortgage interest rate of 3%, we are currently at a normal level, and interest rates are unlikely to drop quickly or significantly.
Embuild strongly believes that a housing fair like Batibouw remains essential. In 2024, it attracted 175,000 visitors – a very significant number. For anyone looking to build or renovate, Batibouw remains a key event. Everything you need can be found under one roof. While it may be too soon to see a direct impact, we are convinced that such fairs inspire consumers to build and renovate.
Sven Nouten manages media relations for Embuild, the Belgian construction federation.
