Analysis of the feasibility and operationality of an inventory of vacant homes in the BHG

Despite relatively recent research into the vacancy rate in the BHG (Bernard, Zimmer & Surkyn, 2009), a very wide range of 15 to 30,000 vacant homes is still reported (figures from around the turn of the century). The housing market has nevertheless changed radically over the last 20 years, which suggests that this figure has evolved significantly in the meantime. Mapping the number of vacant homes is therefore no sinecure. The Osiris (2007) study already showed which requests arise when men are only trying to make a list of housing units. Moreover, the reasons for (apparent) vacancy can be very diverse (see the table below) and not all reasons require action to the same extent. Despite the technical possibilities and the available know-how, overall, very little is known about the situation of the housing units in the BHG (physical condition, ownership, occupation;)