WILLEMSTAD - The 2023 census reveals a significant number of vacant homes in Curaçao, highlighting a pressing issue for the island's housing market. The census identifies two primary categories of vacant properties: uninhabited houses and homes in a state of disrepair.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), Curaçao has over 74,000 homes, which include apartment complexes, private homes, duplexes, and other private buildings serving as residences. The census found that 940 of these homes are in a state of disrepair. Additionally, more than 9,000 homes are currently uninhabited. This means that approximately 13 percent of the homes in Curaçao are either abandoned or in poor condition.
The high number of abandoned homes presents several challenges for the community, particularly given the significant demand for housing. The presence of these vacant properties contributes to rising house prices due to the resulting scarcity in the housing market.
Finding suitable housing has become a major issue in Curaçao. The Fundashon Kas Popular (FKP) has a long waiting list, with about 8,000 registrations in 2022. Although FKP is currently updating this list, as some registrants may no longer need housing, the demand remains high.
The 940 homes in a deplorable state pose additional risks to neighborhood residents. These buildings can create unsanitary conditions due to pests and are also structurally unstable, posing risks of collapse or fires. Vandalism is another problem associated with these dilapidated houses.