Living above stores according to legislation

Want to live above stores? Then consider what the legislation says, what the pros and cons are. You can read about it here!

What does “living above stores” mean?
What does Flemish legislation say about living above stores?
Benefits of living above stores
Disadvantages of living above stores

1. What does “living above stores” mean?

Living above stores is a popular form of housing in urban areas. You live in a residential unit above a store. Stores include clothing stores and supermarkets.

2. What does Flemish legislation say about living above stores?

If the owner still needs to convert the retail space to residential, it requires an environmental permit.
If the owner applies for an environmental permit, it must comply with local city planning regulations such as zoning and building codes.
As an owner, you must ensure that your store and residential unit meet strict fire safety standards. This includes the presence of fire-resistant partitions between the store and the residential unit, smoke detectors, emergency exits and fire extinguishers. There is also regular inspection and mandatory maintenance of fire safety equipment.
The housing unit must meet the latest housing quality standards.
The Flemish government encourages living above stores through the “Commercial Core Strengthening” program. Through this program, municipalities or cities receive subsidies to convert vacant floors above storefronts into residential units.
Access to the residence must be separate from the retail space and may not pass through the store unless a special permit is granted.

3. Benefits of living above stores

If you live above stores, you often live in a central location in the heart of the city, close to amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants and public transportation.
Living in a residential unit above a store may be cheaper in terms of rent or purchase price.
Energy costs are sometimes lower because stores are often well insulated and heated and sometimes have shared heating or cooling systems.
Living in an urban environment creates a sense of community. You live in a vibrant atmosphere with easy access to social and cultural activities.
Stores often have well-equipped security systems such as cameras and alarm systems. Those systems also provide some security to the living areas above.
Living above stores contributes to a more efficient use of space in cities and helps make the city center more attractive.

4. Disadvantages of living above stores

Since you most likely live in the city center, you are more likely to experience noise pollution. Not only from store activities (customers, suppliers and music), but also from passers-by. Since stores do not cause these noises on purpose, it is difficult to do anything about it due to the rent law.
The central location and proximity to commercial activities may limit your privacy. If you are sitting on your balcony, there are a lot of passersby who may be able to see into your apartment.
Accessibility to the living space can be limited, especially if the entrance is shared with the store. In addition, there is often no separate elevator or stairs for residents, further limiting accessibility.
Living spaces above stores often do not have a garden or balcony, which can be a disadvantage for people who value outdoor space.
If you live above stores, you are more likely to experience odors. These are odors from eateries, large garbage cans, litter, etc.
When purchasing a property over a store, obtaining a mortgage can sometimes be more difficult. Banks often view this type of property as riskier. In addition, valuation is more difficult since the residential unit is above stores.

Living above shops_ apartment above store — Image: Building with store area and residential unit

Sources: Nieuwsblad, Stad Aalst, Vlaio

Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:

Stiasteny, L. (2024, Nov. 8). Living above stores according to legislation. Apartment.be. Consulted on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/wonen-boven-winkels-volgens-wetgeving/

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