Vacancy in rural areas larger than in the office market

Repurpose or demolish. They are both extremes of the solution to the increasing vacancy of agricultural buildings. If not, the degradation of the countryside will continue, according to the NVM department of Agricultural & Rural Real Estate.

It is expected that in 2030 about half of all vacant agricultural buildings (VAB) will remain empty. In the study 'Together towards a vital rural area, possibilities for vacant agricultural buildings', the NVM is disposing of a number of sustainable options for a vital future for the Dutch rural area.

Demolition most logical
"Demolition is the most logical option," says NVM chairman Ard Klijsen. "The area that is thus released can be used for new construction through the space-for-room scheme. In view of the increasing shortages in the housing market and the lack of new construction tasks, I think this is a sensible solution. However, the other 50% can be repurposed as living space or for other, agricultural or non-agricultural, reuse."

Far-reaching changes in rural areas
According to the NVM, the market for agricultural and rural real estate is undergoing drastic changes. Klijsen: "In rural areas, the number of traditional agricultural entrepreneurs is decreasing and forms of multifunctional agriculture are emerging. More and more citizens are also living in the countryside and non-agricultural entrepreneurs are starting new activities. We also see that livestock farms are ceasing activities, resulting in empty sheds. Those buildings do not meet current environmental and animal welfare requirements and often contain asbestos."

Vacancy huge
The vacancy rate in rural areas is enormous, the NVM notes. "It is estimated that about 11 million square meters of agricultural buildings are currently vacant and another 2030 million square meters of agricultural buildings will become vacant until 40." That puts the total at about 51 million square meters. This means that the vacancy rate in rural areas is greater than the vacancy rate in the Dutch office and retail market.

The most extensive is the vacancy in North Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel. "Policy measures in those provinces will increase vacancy rates more quickly. For example, Noord-Brabant is rapidly moving towards sustainable livestock farming. Similar measures have also been taken in Gelderland, such as the announced growth stop for goat farms."

Joint problem
Agrarian buildings that become vacant are often regarded as a problem for the owner, but that is not entirely fair, says NVM. "Social changes can sometimes take place quickly, so that a building no longer meets current requirements. We believe that this is a joint responsibility of the owner and society," says Klijsen.

The NVM advocates good demolition schemes and making demolition and repurposing tax attractive. "That not only helps the agricultural entrepreneur, but it also prevents degradation and (drug) crime in the countryside."

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