Lack of developable land

Some of the most densely populated and economically competitive regions of the Eurozone suffer from a scarcity of developable land.

Europe is characterised by a dense population and highly urbanised regions, such as Belgium, which on average has 370 inhabitants per square kilometer1

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These characteristics are accentuated by a trend towards a greater concentration of population and economic activities in the major cities, giving rise to land competition and planning issues2. The economic benefits of “good” densification are increasingly acknowledged by urban planners, with a focus on cohesive and well-connected mixed-used developments – reflecting lifestyle and employment trends being driven by transportation and environmental considerations 3/4 .

Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review (2007) Issue 3: Smart Brownfield Redevelopment for the 21st Century

2 CBRE (2019) EMEA Real Estate Market Outlook 2019
Urban Land Institute (2015) - Density: Drivers, Dividends and Debates 4. PwC (2018) Emerging Trend in Real Estate – Reshaping the Future