Six new affordable homes created by splitting existing houses in Beneden-Leeuwen
Residents in Beneden-Leeuwen will soon have access to six new affordable homes, created by splitting three existing houses. This innovative pilot project by housing corporation De Kernen aims to tackle the housing shortage quickly and cost-effectively, offering compact living spaces for singles, first-time buyers, and seniors.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Home-splitting pilot by Woonstichting De Kernen |
| Location | St. Josephstraat, Tulpstraat, and Van Haagenstraat, Beneden-Leeuwen |
| Number of Homes | 3 existing homes split into 6 independent homes |
| Target Group | Singles, first-time buyers, seniors |
| Expected Delivery | St. Josephstraat: mid-April 2026, Tulpstraat: mid-May 2026 |
| Features per Home | Kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, solar panels, central heating |
| Municipality Involved | West Maas en Waal |
| Goal | Address housing shortage affordably and efficiently |
Woonstichting De Kernen is a housing corporation responsible for managing and developing affordable housing in the region. The municipality of West Maas en Waal plays a key role in facilitating local housing projects, ensuring they align with broader policy goals to address housing shortages and improve livability for residents.
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De Kernen splits first homes in Beneden-Leeuwen
In St. Josephstraat, the kickoff has been given for Woonstichting De Kernen’s first home-splitting project. Marieke van den Boom, alderwoman for the municipality of West Maas en Waal, and Marinus Kempe, managing director of De Kernen, jointly marked the start. With this pilot, De Kernen aims to create additional living space within the existing housing stock more quickly and affordably.
What does home splitting entail?
Three existing homes in Beneden-Leeuwen are being converted into six independent, compact homes. Each new home will feature:
- its own kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom
- its own central heating boiler, meter cabinet, inverter, and solar panels
- an individual connection for gas, water, and electricity
The project in Beneden-Leeuwen is De Kernen’s first home-splitting initiative.
Why is De Kernen opting for home splitting?
The housing shortage affects both young people and seniors in the villages. By splitting homes, De Kernen can respond more quickly to growing demand while keeping costs lower than with new construction. This makes it possible to provide more people with an affordable home in a short period.
Alderman Marieke van den Boom: “With this pilot, we see that smart, small-scale solutions can make a big difference for those searching for a home. By transforming one existing home into two, we not only create extra living space but also offer two households a place where they can feel at home. Initiatives like this show that, together with our partners, we are actively working toward a diverse and future-proof housing supply.”
Who are the homes intended for?
The new homes are primarily aimed at people looking for a compact, affordable, and quiet place to live. De Kernen is targeting singles, first-time buyers who want to stay in their village, and seniors who wish to downsize or live on one floor. By focusing on this target group, the use of the homes aligns well with the neighborhood and the character of the streets involved.
Marinus Kempe – Managing Director, Woonstichting De Kernen: “In the past, a row of ten homes might have housed forty people. Now, with more singles and smaller families, the same street has far fewer residents. With this pilot, we are exploring how we can use the existing space more efficiently. We are learning what is technically feasible, what it will cost, and what this means for the neighborhood and its livability.”
Planning and delivery
St. Josephstraat – expected delivery mid-April 2026
Tulpstraat – expected delivery mid-May 2026
Van Haagenstraat – planning uncertain due to delays with utility connections