De Kernen breaks ground on first homes in Beneden-Leeuwen
In St. Josephstraat, the kickoff was given for the first home-splitting project by Housing Corporation De Kernen. Marieke van den Boom, Alderman of the municipality of West Maas en Waal, and Marinus Kempe, director-manager of De Kernen, jointly marked the start. With this pilot, De Kernen aims to create additional living space more quickly and affordably within the existing housing stock.
What does property subdivision entail?
Three existing homes in Beneden-Leeuwen converted into six independent, compact homes. Each new home features:
- a private kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom
- a private boiler, meter box, inverter, and solar panels
- an individual connection for gas, water, and electricity
The project in Beneden-Leeuwen is the first home-splitting project undertaken by De Kernen.
Why has De Kernen opted for home splitting?
The housing shortage is affecting both young people and the elderly in the villages. By subdividing existing homes, De Kernen can respond more quickly to growing demand while keeping costs lower than those associated with new construction. This makes it possible to provide more people with affordable housing in a short period of time.
Alderman van den Boom: “This pilot project shows that smart, small-scale solutions can make a big difference for those looking for housing. By converting a single existing home into two units, we not only create additional living space but also provide two households with a place where they can feel at home. Initiatives like this demonstrate that, together with our partners, we are actively working to create a diverse and future-proof housing supply.”
Who are these homes for?
The new homes are primarily intended for people looking for a compact, affordable, and quiet place to live. De Kernen focuses on singles, first-time homebuyers who want to stay in their village, and older adults who want to downsize or live in a single-story home. By prioritizing this target group, the use of these homes aligns well with the neighborhood and the character of the streets in question.
Marinus Kempe, Executive Director of Woonstichting De Kernen: “In the past, a row of ten houses might have been home to as many as forty people. Now there are more single people and smaller families, which means the same street has far fewer residents. With this pilot project, we’re exploring how we can make smarter use of the existing space. We’re learning what’s technically feasible, what it costs, and what this means for the neighborhood and its livability.”
Scheduling and Completion
St. Josephstraat - completion expected in mid-April 2026
Tulpstraat - completion expected in mid-May 2026
Van Haagenstraat - schedule still uncertain due to delays with utility connections