Ships for living Els van Doesburg: “Renovating a home can be a complicated and very intensive task. Not everyone has the time, courage or expertise to thoroughly renovate a building. In this way, too many homes in our city end up in poor condition and ultimately vacant. Of course, no one wants that and that is why we as a city are now working with Het Pandschap, which supports owners by fully coordinating the renovation works. The house is then rented out by housing company Woonhaven Antwerp. This way the building becomes a new, fresh home for someone who really needs it. That seems like a win-win for everyone.”
Henry and Carine are the owner of an apartment in Van Halmalestraat. That apartment could use a makeover, but there was no time to coordinate the renovation yourself.
“There was a need for a number of small repairs, but also larger works such as the installation of a new patio door and cladding and painting work. We don’t live in the area ourselves, so we didn’t know any contractors who could carry out the adjustments. Het Pandschap does have that expertise. Moreover, they involve social economy enterprises in the work. We are very pleased that we have been able to place the coordination in their professional hands.”
Renovation of vacant properties becomes easier
Het Pandschap, which has already completed several similar projects, coordinates the complete renovation or refresh of the building. As a result, owners no longer have to deal with the administration and follow-up that comes with a renovation.
Hendrik and Carine also experienced this: “Het Pandschap is aware of all living conditions and requirements that an apartment must meet. In addition, the renovation works are done with high-quality, sustainable and budget-friendly building materials.”
Sven Claes van Het Pandschap explains: “We notice that many owners do not have the time or knowledge to renovate a property to a high standard. Especially when it concerns an inheritance or when a parent moves to a residential care center and people do not know what to do with the home. By taking complete care of the renovation process, we bring properties to the rental market that otherwise sometimes remain empty for years.”
Assistance with financing renovation
A lack of financial resources also often prevents people from renovating their property. An employee of Het Pandschap works with owners to determine which renovation premiums they are eligible for. In some cases additional financing may be provided. By subsequently renting out the property socially, the renovation premiums increase and up to 50% of the costs can be reimbursed.
Social rental with guaranteed rental income
After the renovation, housing company Woonhaven Antwerp will rent out the building. The owner does not have to do anything himself. Woonhaven assigns the home to the prospective tenant, checks maintenance and takes care of all administration. The owner of the property receives rental income every month, even when the property is not rented. This means that costs incurred can be recovered with certainty.
More information about renovating with Pandschap Antwerpen can be found at www.antwerpen.be/product/pandschap-antwerpen.
Tags: City Antwerp offers assistance renovation social rentals
