Strong together for living in the Achterhoek region
On December 4, 2025, the municipality of Aalten, housing association De Woonplaats, tenants' association 't Walfort, and tenants' association Dinxperlo signed new regional performance agreements for the period 2026 to 2029. Together with all municipalities, housing associations, and tenants' associations, we are committed to improving housing in the Achterhoek region. In addition to the regional agreements, a local implementation agenda has been drawn up for Aalten.
Getting started in Aalten
The implementation agenda for 2026 and 2027 sets out concrete local actions to achieve the joint goals. The agreements focus on four main themes:
- Availability and affordability: making better use of existing homes and ensuring affordable new construction.
- Elderly people and focus groups: suitable housing for people requiring care or other vulnerable groups.
- Quality of life: investing in neighborhoods where people feel at home.
- Sustainability: accelerating the energy transition and making homes more sustainable.
Seizing opportunities for social housing
The municipality of Aalten and De Woonplaats are actively committed to the construction of social housing. This year, 11 apartments on Hogestraat Aalten will be completed, and the residents will receive their keys before Christmas. The housing association is also seizing opportunities presented by vacant buildings. At Driessenshof in Aalten, vacant office space is being transformed into six new apartments for social rental. Hopefully, new tenants will be living here by the summer of 2026. De Woonplaats Eerste Broekdijk also active on Eerste Broekdijk , where construction of ten single-family homes for social rental will start next year.
In addition, housing plans for the future are being developed. The municipality of Aalten is working with De Woonplaats to identify new attractive residential areas in Aalten (Singel), Dinxperlo ('t Beggelder), and Bredevoort (Slingeplas) with a mixed housing program of owner-occupied and rental properties.
Room-by-room rentals to status holders will also be evaluated next year. A pilot project was launched in two single-family homes in 2025, and based on shared experiences, the parties will consider in 2026 whether they want to expand this to more locations. By offering room-by-room rentals, we are ensuring that more social housing remains available for people looking for a place to live.
About the regional agreements
Through regional agreements, we are working together with all municipalities, housing associations, and tenant associations to tackle social housing challenges in the region. The collaboration is based on national and provincial frameworks such as the Public Housing Strengthening Act and the Provincial Housing Program. Regional visions such as the Achterhoek Housing Agenda and the Residential Care Vision also play an important role. Together, we want to use these agreements to ensure sufficient affordable housing in livable neighborhoods.
"We are working together toward a future in which everyone in the Achterhoek region can live well and affordably," according to the parties involved.