Dirk Cavens: 195M€, Architect of Real Estate Change in Flanders
Dirk Cavens
Dirk Cavens is a leading figure in the world of real estate flamingo. Coming from a family with substantial interests in the port sector with the company ABES now Katoen NatieHe began his professional career under the guidance of Antwerp real estate magnate Hugo Ceusters. After gaining valuable experience, he left this collaboration to set up his own brokerage firm, Cavens & Cobefore moving into real estate project development and creating a fortune of over 190 million euros.
With Kristine Van Hool, his wife at the time, he created KVH, a company that joined forces with Koen Blijweert and Maurice De Velder as part of DB Invest, known for its sometimes controversial real estate transactions. However, Cavens ruled out any association with De Velder following his legal problems. In the course of their business, they were involved in several major projects, such as Geneva Park and Vilvoorde De Drie Leeuwen.
With regard to the real estate sector, Dirk Cavens explained in detail the process of monetizing real estate projects, highlighting the need for a solid return from various types of property and costs associated with sustainable development and infrastructure.
The merger of the real estate interests of Dirk Cavens and Marc Paeleman in 2018 resulted in the creation of Triple Living Holding, estimated at 196 million euros. This association also marks the integration of their children, notably Jeff and Charlotte Cavens and Stefan Paeleman, who take up positions as directors. Triple Living made a name for itself with the acquisition of the troubled Land Invest Group, positioning the holding company as the most important housing developer in Flanders.
Under their aegis, ambitious projects such as the Antwerp Nieuw-Zuid district and the Slachthuissite site are coming to life, alongside developments in Brussels, Knokke, and a neighborhood project in Rotterdam. These projects surpass the efforts of notable competitors such as than Immobel, Atenor and Matexi.
Consolidating the protection of his family's interests, Dirk Cavens created the Metis private foundation in 2023, ensuring the long-term management of the family's esteemed assets. to over €195,000,000.
