Ghent has two garden worlds. In the historic centre (Burg, Patershol, Prinsenhof, Portus Ganda) the gardens are small, old and often governed by heritage regulations. In new-build districts and the eastern edge (Sint-Amandsberg, Gentbrugge, Ledeberg) the gardens are larger and more modern. Which garden house suits which context?
Garden houses for the historic centre
Features:
- Small garden sizes — 3×2 or 4×3 m is often the maximum
- Heritage regulations in the UNESCO buffer (zones around Saint Bavo’s, Saint Michael’s, the Belfry)
- A preference for discreet, classic models (gable roof, natural timber, no design statements)
Recommended: a compact model from 2×2 m, natural timber finish, from €670.
Garden houses for student districts and dense residential areas
Around Ledeberg, Gentbrugge and Sint-Amandsberg:
- Gardens often 4×5 m
- Municipal rules more flexible than in the centre
- Popular: a 3×3 or 3×4 budget garden house for bikes and garden tools
From €1.200 for a solid 3×3 in the budget range.
Garden houses for villa districts and the edge of Ghent
In Zwijnaarde, Destelbergen, Mariakerke:
- Spacious plots (garden over 10×10 m)
- More freedom in choice of model
- Trend: design pool houses (€4.500+) and large multi-functional models
Permits — when do you notify or apply?
Ghent follows the Flemish framework (under 40 m², under 3,5 m, 1 m from the plot boundary: notification). But:
- UNESCO buffer zone (centre): an additional advisory committee
- Groene Velden and protected green zones: tightened rules
- Always check via the Ghent planning desk
Delivery in Ghent
Free delivery across Ghent and its districts (9000-9052). For most garden houses the lead time is 5-8 weeks after ordering; a limited number of standard models can be delivered in 2-3 weeks. For city-centre addresses we check street access beforehand (narrow streets around Patershol and Prinsenhof).
Installation
For garden houses we offer our own installation. Ask for a combined quote (garden house and installation) to see the full package. In small courtyard gardens self-build is usually feasible; on larger models installation by our teams is more common.
Important: the foundation is not part of our delivery. A level, stable base (concrete slabs or a concrete pad) must be ready beforehand. If you are unsure which foundation your model needs, send us your garden plan and we will advise which type it requires.
Common mistakes with a garden house in Ghent
A garden house is a 10+ year investment; most later problems are avoidable if you ask the right questions up front. Four recurring pitfalls we often see in gardens in Ghent:
- No foundation, or an inadequate one, ready at delivery. A garden house standing directly on grass or loose slabs draws moisture from the ground and warps sooner. The foundation (e.g. concrete slabs or a concrete pad, laid level) is preparation on your side — not included in our delivery — and must be ready before we come to install.
- Too close to the plot boundary. Under the Flemish notification scheme there must be at least 1 m between the garden house and the neighbouring plot. Measure beforehand with a folding rule, not by eye.
- Checking the permit too late. A refusal once the timber is already on its way costs time and money. One visit or phone call to the planning department takes 10 minutes and avoids weeks of delay.
- Timber not pre-treated. Untreated spruce in a damp garden weathers in 2-3 years. Apply a coat of stain or timber oil on handover — it is always in our assembly guide.
Frequently asked questions — buying a garden house in Ghent
How much does a garden house cost in Ghent? At Bear Wood, budget models start from €670 for a compact 2×2 model. A popular 3×3 budget garden house starts from €1.200. Design models and larger multi-functional garden houses run from €3.500 to €7.500+. Our lowest price guarantee applies to every model.
Does Bear Wood really come free of charge as far as Ghent? Yes. Free delivery applies everywhere in Ghent and its districts. For narrow or hard-to-reach addresses we plan a loading and unloading window in advance.
Is a bespoke garden house possible? Yes, bespoke is always possible. Send us your garden plan with dimensions — we will send you a drawn proposal within 1 working day.
How long do delivery and installation take? For most models, count on 5-8 weeks after ordering. A limited number of standard models can be delivered faster (2-3 weeks) — ask at quote stage. Installation by our own team: 1-2 days on site, depending on the model. The foundation must be ready beforehand (not in our scope).
What if I find the garden house cheaper elsewhere? With our lowest price guarantee we match any demonstrably better price for a comparable model. Just send us the competitor’s quote.
Do you have reviews? We currently have 4,9 stars across 61 Google reviews for Bear Wood Belgium. The full review history is on our Google profile page.
Which garden house size suits your garden in Ghent? Send us your garden dimensions — we will reply with a proposal within 1 working day.
