This is how the Flemish like to live

The Flemish government aims to bring about a shift in housing behavior by 2050. The goal is for Flemish households to live in sustainable homes and environments in smart locations by 2050, with the homes they occupy tailored to their housing needs at that time. Today, an old ideal remains deeply ingrained among the Flemish. 72% prefer semi-detached or detached housing. Another 10% opt for a townhouse, and (only) 17% still prefer a studio or apartment.

Safety

Flemish people aren’t as settled as they used to be, but their attitudes toward housing haven’t changed all that much. A recent housing survey highlights living in the city, shared living spaces, and a willingness to move. 

Sharing spaces

Flemish people are clearly unwilling to share space or collectively designate certain areas. When it comes to sharing a parking space or a bike shed, there is still a narrow majority in favor (37.9% somewhat likely and 14.7% definitely likely), though there are already strong opponents (32.6% definitely not). That majority disappears entirely when it comes to sharing a garden, a laundry room, or a storage room. 85% are definitely not willing to share a living room or kitchen.

Living in the city

Although grocery stores go out of business and disappear year after year—presumably due to a lack of customers—Flemish people still seem to consider it crucial to have daily amenities nearby. And yet, they prefer not to settle in urban areas, where the availability of such amenities is much higher. The city remains a notably unpopular place to live. Only 13% of Flemish people would prefer to settle in the city. One-fifth prefer the center of a village. The countryside, on the other hand, remains the preferred choice of about one-third of Flemish people and thus remains dominant, just ahead of the city outskirts.

Moving

Although grocery stores go out of business and disappear year after year—presumably due to a lack of customers—Flemish people still seem to consider it crucial to have daily amenities nearby. And yet, they prefer not to settle in urban areas, where the availability of such amenities is much higher. The city remains a notably unpopular place to live. Only 13% of Flemish people would prefer to settle in the city. One-fifth prefer the center of a village. The countryside, on the other hand, remains the preferred choice of about one-third of Flemish people and thus remains dominant, just ahead of the city outskirts.

Source: CIB Flanders