The Brussels anti-squatter
There are over two million square meters of empty office space in the greater Brussels area with 30,000 buildings left vacant. Through a loophole in the Belgian law, special ‘vacant property managers’ are placing makeshift tenants into these deserted locations to prevent vandalism, keep out squatters and for basic maintenance. Empty office buildings are taxed in Belgium, but it is easily avoided by calling in these ‘vacant property managers’ or by installing a small office or even just a letter box. Almost two years ago, Diederik Bal, a 31 year old Bruxelois, found himself as an anti-squatter and just before moving out of his office apartment, he opened his doors to Revolve. Article by Steve Gillman, Editorial Staff Revolve Media
