Flanders Real Estate FAQ 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions

The median house price in Flanders is around EUR 310,000, about 50% more than in Wallonia. Prices are highest in Flemish Brabant and around Antwerp, and more moderate in Limburg and rural West Flanders.

Registration duties in Flanders are 3% for the purchase of a first and only home (instead of 12% for a second property). This is the most advantageous rate in Belgium. A reduced rate of 1% applies for major energy renovations.

The most expensive municipalities are located around Brussels (Tervuren, Overijse, Huldenberg) and north of Antwerp (Brasschaat, Schoten, Kapellen). Coastal municipalities like Knokke-Heist are also very expensive.

Flanders chose to reduce registration duties to 3% (from 6% since 2022) to facilitate home ownership, especially for young households. This is a major tax advantage compared to 12.5% in Brussels and Wallonia.

Hasselt, Genk, Kortrijk, and Roeselare offer good value with houses around EUR 250,000-300,000 and good infrastructure. Aalst and Sint-Niklaas are also interesting for their proximity to Ghent and Antwerp.

The Flemish market is experiencing price increases of 3 to 5% per year, driven by strong demand and limited supply. Flemish Brabant and the Antwerp periphery are the most dynamic. The Belgian coast maintains high prices.

Flanders generally offers more space for a comparable budget, better schools according to rankings, more green space, and a higher sense of safety. The trade-off is less direct access to Brussels institutions.

The average gross rental yield in Flanders is between 3 and 4.5%. University cities (Leuven, Ghent) and major cities (Antwerp, Mechelen) offer the best yields for small apartments.

Flanders targets EPC label A for all homes by 2050. An EPC label is mandatory for every sale or rental. Properties with a poor EPC label (E, F, G) must be renovated within 5 years of purchase.

For expats working in Brussels: Tervuren, Overijse, Zaventem, and Vilvoorde. For those working in Antwerp: Brasschaat, Schoten, and Mortsel. For Ghent: Sint-Martens-Latem and De Pinte offer a premium setting.

The Belgian coast (Knokke, Ostend, Blankenberge) is sought after for holiday investments. Yields are modest (2-3%) but demand is constant for seasonal rentals. Knokke remains the most prestigious market.

Flanders offers the lowest registration duties (3%), a reduced 1% rate for major energy renovations, and the ability to carry over duties paid on a first property when purchasing a second one.

The Flemish rental market is tight in major cities. A 2-bedroom apartment rents for EUR 700 to 1,000 per month depending on location. Student housing is a strong segment in university cities.

Flanders encourages sustainable construction and energy renovations. The betonstop (soil sealing freeze) will limit new construction. Urban densification projects are preferred.

Limburg offers the lowest prices in Flanders (houses around EUR 250,000) with a pleasant living environment. Hasselt is a dynamic and well-connected city. Limburg attracts more and more young households relocating from Brussels or Antwerp.