Gouda

In many sectors, like logistics, construction and manufacturing, there is a shortage of workers. International employees are essential for the continuity of companies and the economy. In line with our motto 'everyone deserves a home', good housing close by means that they can live in safe, comfortable and suitable conditions, which also contributes to a better work-life balance and to reducing traffic congestion. 

We take several measurements to minimize nuisance: 

• Welfare Officers are present 24/7 as a point of contact for residents and local residents. 
• There are clear codes of conduct for residents and compliance with these is monitored. 
• Locations are actively managed and monitored. 
• Local residents can participate in sounding board groups to keep the dialogue open and share suggestions. 

All locations comply with Dutch and European laws and regulations. The housing is certified according to the SNF standard (Flexible Housing Standards Foundation) and since 2020, meets the recommendations of the Roemer Committee, ensuring a good quality of life for residents.

We guarantee safety by means of external checks, such as a periodic inspection, and internal inspections.

We are dedicated to provide a safe and pleasurable living environment:

• Studios are modern, spacious and fully equipped with their own facilities.
• Welfare Officers support residents in their own language and help with integration and questions about healthcare, work or housing.
• We collaborate with organisations like Healthcare4Internationals to facilitate access to healthcare.

We work with employment agencies that comply with the ABU Collective Labour Agreement. They are obliged to provide accommodation for at least 4 weeks after the work contract is completed. In addition, we always provide careful guidance, like arranging the return to the country of origin or short-term replacement housing.

The rents are determined according to the Price Quality System (PKS) that is included in the ABU CLA. This guarantees transparency and fair rents, which always include gas, water, electricity and Wi-Fi.

Yes. KaFra Housing always organises information sessions and sets up sounding board groups. Local residents, especially at sounding board group sessions, can ask questions, give suggestions and contribute ideas on aspects such as building design, green spaces and parking solutions. 

Benefits for the local community include: 

• Less traffic because employees live close to their work.
• The continued availability of regular housing for first-time buyers and families because it is less likely to be bought up and ‘boarded up’ when flexible housing is available nearby.
• A positive contribution to the local economy, as residents, for example, shop and use local facilities. 

To this end, we have a clear complaints procedure:

• Residents and local residents can contact the on-site Welfare Officer 24/7.
• Complaints can be reported via klachten@kafrahousing.com or the central telephone number.
• All complaints are recorded and discussed in focus groups so that improvements can be made. 

Many international employees only stay in the Netherlands for a few months to carry out temporary work. Temporary housing suits their needs perfectly. After their work period ends, they often return to their country of origin or move to another location for a new job. 

Temporary housing offers flexible, high-quality solutions that meet the needs of short stays. Regular homes are intended for permanent residence and families. By realising temporary housing, regular housing remains available for local residents. 

Environmental considerations play a role at every site. For example, the environment is taken into account during development in terms of choice of materials, sites are well insulated and, where possible, gas-free and equipped with solar panels.

We realise new sites on average within nine months after the permit has been issued. Our new-build concepts (Flex Housing, Flex Accommodation and KaFra Tower) can usually be realised as quickly or even faster. With the Transformation concept, the completion time depends on the type of property we transform.

Initially, local residents will be invited to an information meeting where they will be informed about the plans for a new location. During this meeting, the sounding board group will also be set up for local residents to sign up. The sounding board group will meet several times during the development and possible realisation to help think about the location. After completion, the group will meet periodically.

Objections from local residents can be expressed to the municipality before the permit is issued. The exact procedure depends on the procedure of the municipality in question.

If the permit is already in place, objections and concerns can be made known during the sounding board group. In the past, adjustments to the green areas, lighting and car park have been made in this way, for example.

In addition, we are always ready to deal with questions and concerns. Please feel free to contact us.

Partly. Sports and play facilities are generally only open to residents. But venues equipped with large communal areas can be made available for community activities by agreement. Please contact the specific location for this.

Trained Welfare Officers are present on site 24/7 after delivery. They are responsible for the wellbeing of the residents and local residents and they also take care of minor maintenance and management of the location. For example, upkeep of facilities and green areas, a weekly clean in and around the location and periodic inspection of the location. 

Local residents are best kept informed through (representatives of) the sounding board group. And we are always ready to answer questions about the progress of locations by phone or e-mail - check out our contact page. 

We are currently developing four innovative and flexible housing concepts. In terms of new buildings, these are the KaFra Tower, Flex Acoommodation and Flex Housing. The fourth concept concerns the transformation of (unoccupied) property.

Broad experience is available when it comes to transforming existing real estate. For instance, we converted tiny houses in Gouda, a former hotel in Best and a former office building in Almere into accommodation. And in Etten-Leur, we combined the transformation of an office building with a piece of new construction from us..

Our Welfare Officers are on site 24/7 to be there for both our residents and the surrounding area.

Welfare Officers speak the residents' language and make sure they have a pleasant stay. They are also the first point of contact for the surrounding area, who can contact them at any time for questions, comments and complaints. Finally, they are responsible for the maintenance of the location.

Our preference is for at least fifteen years, but it depends on the permit that has been granted. This permit usually expires after ten to fifteen years.