A new housing complex in Arnhem-Oost, Netherlands, called Merwijde, is officially opening, providing 148 temporary homes for residents, including status holders and connecting residents. The project is part of a growing trend in the Netherlands of using relocatable homes to address housing shortages and provide flexible living solutions.

The Merwijde complex consists of five residential blocks arranged around a central courtyard, designed to encourage interaction among residents. The homes are constructed using modular building blocks made of cross-laminated timber, ensuring durability and quality.

The rise of relocatable homes is evident across the Netherlands, with almost 5,500 temporary new-build homes licensed in 2024 alone. Over 15,000 units have been approved for placement in the past five years. These homes offer a solution to address housing shortages, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The municipality of Arnhem sees temporary housing as a welcome addition, especially for status holders who are recognized refugees needing accommodation. A third of the flexible homes in Merwijde have been allocated to new Dutch citizens, offering them a stable place to live.

While the quality of flex homes has improved significantly, the associated costs have also increased. The Dutch government is implementing measures to mitigate financial risks for developers and owners, including guarantee schemes and backstop locations.

The Merwijde project cost the corporations an average of 205,000 euros per home. The national government contributed almost 3.6 million euros to the project, highlighting the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders to address housing needs.

To foster social cohesion within Merwijde, connecting residents have been recruited, and a social organization is helping to set up resident activities. The municipality has allocated an annual budget to support community-building initiatives and ensure that residents feel connected and supported.

The success of companies like De Groot Vroomshoop, which supplied the living modules for Merwijde, indicates a promising future for relocatable construction. The company has seen an increase in the size of orders, suggesting growing demand for modular homes.

The National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) foundation is researching the possibility of guaranteeing loans for the private purchase of flex homes, potentially expanding access to affordable homeownership. This could further blur the lines between relocatable and permanent homes.