Goes embraces Homestay Rental: more housing for students and youngsters
The past years the map of the Netherlands quickly turned orange. One province was lacking behind: Zeeland. But with a new campaign that will soon chance!
The municipality of Goes has launched a pilot for homestay rental, in collaboration with Hospi Housing. The aim: to create more affordable housing for students, young starters, and others in need of temporary accommodation – without the need to build new homes. By making use of existing spare rooms in people’s houses, Goes is taking a smart step towards a more flexible and welcoming housing market. And it's a unique partnership, with Goes being the first city in the province of Zeeland to start this campaign.
Why Goes is taking this step
Although the shortage of student housing is most visible in larger university cities, the municipality of Goes is also looking ahead. In the Bevelanden region, the percentage of students is relatively low - only about 2% of residents are currently enrolled in a study program. Young people aged 15 to 25 often leave the region for education or work elsewhere. Still, Goes sees opportunities to better support this group.
By creating more housing options for students and young people, the region can become a more attractive place not only to study, but also to stay and live. Students attending a nearby university or university of applied sciences should also have the option to rent a room locally. The same applies to young people under 23 who want to live independently. For them, a solid start in the housing market is essential.
As alderwoman Joan Veldhuizen explains:
"Many residents have a spare room in their home — an unused attic, or the former bedroom of children who have moved out. These spaces are ideal for temporary rental to people in need of housing. Renting out a room has several benefits: it brings in rental income, creates social contact, and helps someone who really needs a place to live."
Partnering with Hospi Housing
The pilot will run at least until April 2027 and is being carried out in collaboration with Hospi Housing, a nationwide expert in room rental. They guide homeowners through every step - from registration to matching with the right tenant - and ensure the process is clear, safe, and hassle-free. Daan Donkers, founder of Hospi Housing, shares his enthusiasm:
"We’re proud to partner with Goes, the first municipality in Zeeland to launch hospita rental with us. Renting out a room is suitable for a wide range of people — couples, singles of all ages, and families who enjoy welcoming someone temporarily into their home. Hosts always decide who lives with them and for how long. It doesn’t affect your state pension, and our special hospita rental contracts offer flexibility to the landlord."
Get involved – become a host
This is why Goes has launched a hospita rental initiative in collaboration with Hospi Housing. This form of living - where young people rent a room in someone’s home - fits perfectly with the need for flexible and affordable housing solutions. And who knows, some of these young people may decide to stay in the region after their studies. In this way, we’re investing together in a sustainable and future-proof living environment.
Do you have a spare room and want to help a young person looking for housing? Or are you curious about what room rental could mean for you?
Visit www.hospihousing.com to learn more and sign up as a host - free and without obligation. Together, we can make Goes a welcoming place to live for everyone!