Stakeholders involved in the construction or management of affordable housing will receive greater support, both through financial assistance and appropriate advisory services.
To this end, several new forms of financial compensation have been introduced for Luxembourg’s approximately 100 municipalities. These mechanisms guarantee financial support when municipalities develop affordable housing on land they own. In addition, enhanced advisory services will guide them throughout the different stages of their projects. Housing Minister Claude Meisch stated:
“By bringing municipalities on board, we now have 100 additional public housing developers across the country.”
At the same time, several adjustments have been made to the housing allocation criteria. One of the most significant changes is that single-parent households will now have easier access to affordable housing. This group is particularly vulnerable, as it often faces financial hardship.
The legislation governing the Fonds du Logement has also been updated to reflect current realities. Its internal organisation has been improved, and the responsibilities of this key public housing developer have been clarified.
These reforms are based on practical experience, as municipal officials and organisations active in the social sector have first-hand knowledge of the housing challenges on the ground.
(Photo © MFIN)
A Government Priority
On Thursday, the Government also presented its so-called Housing Construction Booster. The package of measures, introduced under the slogan “Build more. Make housing more affordable. Create more homes.”, targets housing finance, investment and construction in order to deliver concrete and sustainable improvements to the housing sector.
The package consists of seven measures, some of which take an entirely new approach, as Housing Minister Claude Meisch explained:
“For the first time, tax measures in the housing sector are linked to social criteria. Young people and young families in particular should benefit, while increasing the supply of affordable rental housing. It is an investment in the future.”
