The Tournai property market in 2025
Tournai, one of Belgium's oldest cities, offers an attractive property market in Walloon Picardy. With a population of 68,554 residents spread across 213.75 km2, the city combines historic heritage with competitive prices. The population density of 320.7 inhabitants per km2 provides a pleasant living environment without the pressure of major metropolises.
The median price for houses in Tournai stands at EUR 393,350, while apartments reach a median value of EUR 185,091. The price per square metre is EUR 2,810, a level 30% lower than in major Belgian cities. Visit our dedicated Tournai property prices page for detailed quarterly data.
Tournai neighborhoods: where to buy?
Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial in Tournai. The city offers great urban and rural diversity.
The historic center
The heart of Tournai encompasses the Grand Place, Notre-Dame Cathedral (UNESCO listed), and the belfry. Townhouses are expensive but offer unique character. The walkability score of 80/100 confirms the excellent accessibility of the center on foot.
Residential neighborhoods
The neighborhoods of Kain, Ramegnies-Chin, and Ere attract families seeking greenery and tranquility. Single-family homes are affordable while remaining close to the center. The schools score of 75/100 guarantees a solid educational offering.
Peripheral villages
Tournai includes several former rural municipalities (Templeuve, Maulde, Orcq) that offer a countryside setting with highly competitive prices. These areas suit buyers seeking large plots and peace.
Transport and mobility
Tournai benefits from a public transport score of 62/100. The SNCB station provides direct connections to Brussels (50 min), Lille (20 min), and Paris (1h20 via TGV). The TEC network serves all city neighborhoods.
For daily commuting, the accessibility score for shops and services reaches 80/100, reflecting good coverage of local amenities in the center.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Tournai's housing stock shows a mixed energy profile. Only 1.8% of homes hold an EPC rating of class A, and 12.8% achieve class B. Conversely, 21% of buildings are rated G, the least efficient, and 12.3% sit at class F. In total, 48.7% of homes require significant energy renovation work.
For buyers, this represents an opportunity to acquire a property to renovate with Wallonia Energy regional grants. Visit our Tournai EPC page to estimate renovation costs.
Demographics and population profile
Tournai displays a stable demographic profile with 21.08% of the population aged 18 to 34. The city has 17,962 households with an average size of 3.82 persons, reflecting a strong family presence.
The median declarable income stands at EUR 27,637 per year, a level consistent for a mid-sized Walloon city. The municipal tax pressure of 20.66% remains moderate.
Buy-to-let investment in Tournai
With an investment score of 37/100, Tournai offers modest potential for rental investment. Gross yields typically range from 5% to 7% for small apartments near the station. Rental demand comes mainly from young workers and transitional families.
Registration fees in Wallonia amount to 12.5% of the purchase price, with a possible reduction (abatement) for first-time buyers. Try our mortgage simulator and notary fees calculator to estimate your total budget.
Safety and quality of life
The crime rate in Tournai stands at 76.6 offences per 1,000 residents, including 31.4 thefts and 9 acts of violence. This level is above the Walloon average but remains below that of major cities. The safety score of 9/100 reflects this statistical reality.
In terms of green spaces, the score of 56/100 indicates a moderate presence of urban parks. The city benefits from proximity to the Scheldt River and numerous natural areas on the periphery.
Economic activity and employment
Tournai counts 5,612 active businesses, or 0.0819 businesses per inhabitant. The city is a regional employment hub with economic activity zones (Tournai-Ouest) and a dynamic shopping center. Proximity to Lille also offers cross-border professional opportunities.
How much does a house cost in Tournai in 2025?
The median price of a house in Tournai is EUR 393,350. Villas reach a median of EUR 771,139, while apartments trade at around EUR 185,091, among Belgium's most affordable prices.
What are the best neighborhoods to invest in Tournai?
The historic center offers rental potential thanks to student and young professional demand. The Kain and Ramegnies-Chin neighborhoods attract families seeking peace. Peripheral villages suit buyers seeking large spaces.
Is EPC a concern in Tournai?
As throughout Wallonia, the old housing stock often requires renovation. However, Wallonia Energy grants and moderate purchase prices allow these works to be budgeted without difficulty.
Is Tournai well-served by public transport?
Yes. The station offers direct connections to Brussels, Lille, and Paris. The TEC network covers the entire city. The transport score of 62/100 is solid for a mid-sized city.
What is the demographic profile of Tournai?
Tournai has 68,554 residents with a stable population (slight decline of -1.18% over 5 years). The city primarily attracts families and retirees seeking a pleasant living environment at accessible prices.