Federal Government Pays Millions in Rent for Empty Buildings in Limburg
The Belgian federal government is paying millions of euros in annual rent, maintenance, and taxes for over 22,000 square meters of vacant or underutilized office space in Limburg, according to data obtained by N-VA Member of Parliament Lieve Truyman.
Vacant Federal Spaces in Limburg
The vacancy in Limburg is spread across Genk, Hasselt, Tongeren, and Leopoldsburg. Truyman’s analysis of data from Minister of Government Enterprises Vanessa Matz shows that the government continues to pay for leases and upkeep on properties that no longer serve their primary purpose. While some sites, such as the Ambiorix barracks in Tongeren-Borgloon and the detention center in Genk, have new designations in development, other properties remain costly liabilities.
Genk and Tongeren Finance Centers Cost Millions
The Finance Center on Jaarbeurslaan in Genk serves as a primary example of inefficient leasing. Opened in 2018 by then-Finance Minister Johan Van Overtveldt and Buildings Agency Minister Jan Jambon to consolidate tax offices from Genk, Lanaken, and Maasmechelen, the building was marketed as a cost-saving, energy-efficient hub. However, the Regie der Gebouwen (Buildings Agency) confirmed the service departed in mid-2025. Despite the vacancy, the government paid over 284,000 euros in rent for that year, and the lease continues until mid-2027.
Similarly, the Finance Center in Tongeren is more than 45% vacant, yet the government pays over 1.5 million euros in annual rent. Although the facility is scheduled to close by 2030, the current lease agreement remains in effect until the end of 2027.
Hasselt Administrative and Judicial Costs
High rental costs are concentrated in Hasselt, where the Federal Administrative Center requires more than 5.4 million euros per year in rent despite 12% of the building standing empty. The costs for the courthouse are even higher; while the initial rent was 3.9 million euros, indexation has pushed the current annual cost to over 6.2 million euros.
Federal Government Wastes 33 Million Euros on Rent
Truyman calculates that the federal government wastes 33 million euros annually on rent, vacancy taxes, maintenance, and security for underutilized real estate. The inefficiency is most prominent in Brussels and Wallonia. Nationally, 155,000 square meters of vacant space are located in leased buildings where payments continue to run.
The financial disparity is evident in the budget allocation: while leased buildings make up only one-third of the total number of properties on the Buildings Agency list, they consume 48% of the total budget. In Brussels alone, the federal government pays 1 million euros in vacancy levies to the city.
Proposed Restrictions on New Leases
The N-VA argues that the government cannot demand austerity measures while maintaining these contracts. Truyman has called for a comprehensive review of existing leases and proposes that the Buildings Agency be prohibited from signing new rental contracts as long as the government has suitable, vacant buildings available for use.
Federal Real Estate Expenses in Limburg
| Location | Facility | Annual Cost / Status | Vacancy/Lease Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasselt | Courthouse | >6.2 million euros | Increased via indexation |
| Hasselt | Federal Administrative Center | >5.4 million euros | 12% vacant |
| Tongeren | Finance Center | >1.5 million euros | >45% vacant; lease ends 2027 |
| Genk | Finance Center (Jaarbeurslaan) | 284,000 euros (2025) | Fully vacant; lease ends 2027 |
Common Questions About Federal Vacancies
Why is the government paying for empty buildings?
The government is bound by long-term lease agreements that do not end immediately when a service moves. For example, the Genk Finance Center lease continues until 2027 despite the staff leaving in 2025.
What are vacancy taxes?
Vacancy taxes are levies imposed by local municipalities on empty commercial or office spaces to discourage owners from keeping properties vacant. The federal government pays 1 million euros annually to the city of Brussels for this reason.
How does indexation affect these costs?
Indexation clauses in rental contracts automatically increase the price based on inflation. This is why the Hasselt courthouse rent rose from an initial 3.9 million euros to over 6.2 million euros per year.
The federal government currently manages nearly 382,000 square meters of vacant space across Belgium.
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