Aalborg may turn empty student homes into housing for older people

Empty student homes in Aalborg could be converted into housing for older people or even a care home, DR reports. Housing associations and Aalborg Municipality say the homes are generally new and in good condition.

Ole Nielsen, director of Himmerland Boligforening, says about 10 per cent of the housing association’s student homes are currently empty. That amounts to around 200 homes.

“Many of these youth homes were built 12 or 13 years ago and are of very high quality. It could make sense to consider whether the buildings could be used if the municipality is to build a new care home or something similar,” Nielsen said.

He said the idea would also make sense from a sustainability perspective.

Nielsen pointed to smaller youth cohorts, fewer students in Aalborg and changing preferences among young people as factors behind the reduced need for student housing.

Aalborg Mayor Lasse Frimand Jensen of the Social Democrats also sees potential in using the homes for older residents. He said the plan would require investments, approvals and further work, but that he was positive about the possibility.

The mayor also suggested allowing people to stay in the homes for longer after completing their studies. Aalborg previously tested this model with what it called “stay homes”, where residents could remain after graduation and have more space if they had a child and started a family.

Nielsen said he did not expect the approximately 200 vacant homes to remain empty for a long time, although it is not yet clear whether they will ultimately be converted for older residents.