Ghent as a Major Employment Centre
Ghent, Belgium's second-largest city, is a major hub for manufacturing, logistics, and construction. The port of Ghent handles millions of tonnes of cargo annually, while the surrounding industrial zones host major operations including Volvo Cars, ArcelorMittal, and extensive warehousing facilities. These industries drive consistent demand for worker accommodation in Ghent, particularly for construction and maintenance crews from Eastern Europe.
Best Areas for Worker Housing in Ghent
Wondelgem and Evergem: Located north of the city centre, these areas provide direct access to the canal zone and port industrial facilities. Public transport connections to the city centre and surrounding industrial areas are solid.
Gentbrugge and Ledeberg: To the south and east of the centre, these districts are well-connected by public transport and offer good access to the ring road for workers who need to commute to multiple sites in the broader Ghent region.
Zwijnaarde: Located in the southern part of the city, Zwijnaarde provides access to the technology park and industrial southern corridor, as well as the E40 motorway for workers commuting toward Brussels or Bruges.
Transport Infrastructure for Workers in Ghent
Ghent has an extensive tram network managed by De Lijn, supplemented by regular bus routes. The tram system in particular provides fast, reliable connections between residential areas and the city's major employment centres.
For workers based in accommodation outside the tram network's reach, Ghent's cycling infrastructure is excellent — making cycling to work a practical option for many workers housed within 5–7 kilometres of their job site.
Cost of Worker Accommodation in Ghent
Worker accommodation costs in Ghent are generally slightly lower than in Antwerp or Brussels, reflecting the difference in rental market pressure. Professional worker housing providers typically offer competitive all-inclusive rates in Ghent that compare favourably to equivalent properties in Belgium's larger cities.
Seasonal Demand Patterns in Ghent
Like the rest of Belgium, Ghent's worker accommodation market tightens significantly during the spring and summer construction season. The port's maintenance cycles also create peaks in demand for specialised industrial workers. For projects starting between April and September, housing should be booked at least 6–8 weeks in advance.
Worker Accommodation in Ghent with Shefa
Shefa manages worker accommodation properties in and around Ghent, selected for their proximity to the city's main employment zones and their compliance with Belgian housing standards. Contact our team to check availability for your crew size and project start date.
