Apartments for under-32s receive widespread criticism
A planned apartment complex in Hasselt that would rent or sell only to people 31 or younger is coming in for criticism of age discrimination
Keeping graduates in the city
The Kapertoren, or Kaper Tower, planned by real estate developer Kolmont has the backing of Hasselt’s city council. The idea is to create a dynamic living environment for students and other young people.
People over the age of 32 may buy an apartment in the building, but would have to rent it to someone younger. The city hopes that the project will help convince young people graduating from Hasselt University to stay in the city by making it easier for them to find a place to live.
“This is truly unique,” said Els Keytsman, director of Unia. “We have no knowledge of any similar measure in the country.”
There is nothing wrong, she said, with finding ways to encourage younger people to buy or rent property. “But introducing this age limit is inappropriate because it is age discrimination.”
The building is intended to include a day care, a fitness room, a bar and a repair cafe. “We want to give young people the opportunity to buy an affordable new apartment in the city,” said Michel Verhoeven of Kolmont. “Many young people would like to remain living in the university area after their studies, but soon realise it’s not as easy as they thought. We’d like to give them that chance.”
Flemish tenants’ rights association Huurdursbond agreed in principle that the age limit is discriminatory but said they are not for the time being considering legal action. “We hope they will see for themselves that they’re on the wrong track,” said a spokesperson.
Kristophe Thijs of the confederation of estate agents CIB Vlaanderen said that the project set “a dangerous precedent. If this is allowed, then you open the door to refusing children for fear of noise nuisance. The question is, do we as a society want something like that?”
Photo courtesy Kolmont
