The Flemish government sets a Binding Social Objective (BSO) for each municipality, determining how many additional social rental homes must be realized between 2026 and 2042. For Geel, this amounts to 290 homes. Realization will be phased: 67 additional social rental homes are planned by 2030, followed by 98 homes by 2036, and 125 homes by the end of 2042.
Stad Geel aims to better distribute social housing across its territory, as current social homes are more concentrated in a few neighborhoods. Together with LeefGoed, the city has explored various possibilities for future projects, including on available land and within private construction and development projects.
The research indicates sufficient opportunities to realize the 290 additional homes within the set timeline. Specific locations and projects are still being developed and will undergo the necessary procedures. An agreement, action program, and vision document will form the framework for Stad Geel and LeefGoed moving forward.
Additionally, the city is exploring other ways to create more affordable housing, such as encouraging private owners to rent socially, addressing vacancy, offering improvement grants for private rental properties, and promoting a good mix of social purchase and rental homes.
