Vacant office living

The challenge

The Dutch housing market faces a severe shortage of affordable housing, particularly for starters and students. High demand, low supply, and slow new construction due to bureaucratic regulations and high costs make it difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation. Rental prices are skyrocketing, especially in major cities, while social housing has long waiting lists. Additionally, many landlords demand high deposits or income guarantees, making it even harder for students and young professionals to secure a place. This leads to overcrowded student housing, rising numbers of young adults staying at home longer, and increased pressure on alternative housing solutions like anti-squat living.

The solution

A solution to the Dutch housing crisis for starters and students is converting vacant office buildings into (temporary) housing with shared living spaces. This approach has been proven to work by SHS delft. By repurposing unused buildings, we can quickly create affordable and flexible living solutions while optimizing urban space.