Five years after the launch of the first Kotkompas in 2020, this anniversary edition takes stock of the past five years, as well as a look to the future. The central observation remains unchanged: the structural shortage of student housing is far from over.
In 2020, the additional need was estimated at 95,000 units by 2030. Some 25,000 units have since been launched. An impressive jump, but at the same time a wake-up call: we still have 70,000 units to go to reach equilibrium, which at the current rate is simply not feasible.
So the need is high, the challenge complex. While the student population continues to grow – with an expected peak between 568,000 and 623,000 students by academic year 2030-2031 – supply lags behind. However, there are important local differences. Especially in cities such as Ghent and Brussels, the pressure on the residential market is strongly felt, and the need remains distinctly high. In certain student cities, however, a (slight) oversupply may be lurking around the corner if no further student growth manifests itself. Student digs in the lower quality class may have to make way for the new batch.
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