© Laurent Weber RTL
In a move to address the housing needs of young adults, the municipality of Walferdange in Luxembourg has unveiled an innovative Tiny House project.
The initiative, aimed at individuals aged between 18 and 32, will provide rental opportunities in the town of Bereldange.
The project, announced by Mayor François Sauber and Member of the Municipal Executive Board Jessie Thill, involves the construction of eight Tiny Houses, each covering an area of 40 square meters.
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The decision is part of a broader strategy to tackle the issue of affordable housing in the region. Six of the plots for these houses are already owned by the municipality, with the remaining two to be acquired from private owners.
High demand for housing
The choice of tiny houses as a housing solution was influenced by their quick occupancy potential and minimal environmental impact. It is expected that residents will be able to move into these houses by the end of 2024.
In addition to the Tiny Houses, a Community House will also be built, providing amenities such as a laundry area and a co-working space. The project, which has a budget of €1.6 million, is in response to the high demand for housing in Walferdange.
The municipality already offers nine rented flats for social purposes, with three flats undergoing renovation and one studio under construction. Notably, one of the homes owned by the municipality currently houses ten individuals who were forced to flee their home country due to the war in Ukraine.
The municipality has collaborated with the local social welfare office to assess the specific housing needs of the community.
Mayor Sauber emphasised the importance of offering diverse housing options to meet the needs of different individuals seeking accommodation in the area.
The Tiny House project specifically targets young working adults, with the aim of helping them improve their financial stability. A points-based system will be used to prioritise applicants with ties to Walferdange or its surrounding regions.
Project aligns with government's strategy
The project aligns with the government's strategy for affordable housing and qualifies for a 75% subsidy from the Ministry of Housing. The municipality has agreed with the Ministry to rent the Tiny Houses at affordable rates for a period of 40 years.
However, the municipality plans to offer tenants time-limited contracts, such as five years, to enable young people to save and eventually transition to renting or purchasing homes in the private market.
