Buying real estate in Belgium?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

What is the average house price in Belgium?

Last updated on 

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Belgium Property Pack

buying property foreigner Belgium

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Belgium Property Pack

Belgium's property market offers stable investment opportunities with moderate growth and attractive prices compared to other European capitals.

As of mid-2025, the national average house price stands at €355,371, while apartments average €271,218. Regional variations are significant, with Brussels commanding premium prices and Wallonia offering the most affordable options for budget-conscious buyers.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Belgium, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At InvestRopa, we explore the Belgian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What's the current average house price in Belgium today, and how is it calculated?

The current average house price in Belgium stands at €355,371 as of June 2025, while apartments average €271,218 nationwide.

The Belgian statistical office Statbel calculates these figures using data from notarial deeds of sale, tracking both direct and public sales across the country. They employ a house price index that measures price changes for private residential real estate, adjusting for property characteristics using hedonic regression.

This calculation method ensures comparability over time by accounting for differences in property size, location, and features. The index covers all types of residential properties including detached houses, semi-detached houses, townhouses, and apartments.

Official statistics exclude commercial properties, industrial real estate, and hotel accommodations to focus specifically on the residential market that affects individual buyers and investors.

These averages represent the median point across all transactions, meaning half of all properties sell above this price and half below.

How do average house prices differ by property type — like apartments, detached houses, townhouses, and villas?

Property prices in Belgium vary significantly depending on the type of residence you're considering.

Detached houses command the highest prices at €370,000–€372,000 on average nationwide. These standalone properties offer maximum privacy and typically include gardens, making them popular among families seeking space.

Semi-detached houses and townhouses represent the middle ground at around €260,000 median price. These properties share one wall with neighbors but still provide individual entrances and often small outdoor spaces.

Apartments average €243,000–€271,000 depending on location and size, making them the most accessible entry point for first-time buyers. Urban apartments in city centers command premium prices due to proximity to employment and amenities.

High-end villas, particularly in exclusive municipalities like Sint-Martens-Latem or Knokke-Heist, can exceed €900,000 or even reach €1 million for luxury properties with extensive grounds and premium finishes.

Which cities or regions in Belgium are the most expensive, which are budget-friendly, and which areas are considered up-and-coming?

Region/City Price Level Average House Price
Brussels-Capital Region Most Expensive €1.1M (detached), €495K (semi-detached)
Sint-Martens-Latem Premium €908,530
Knokke-Heist Premium €895,429
Wallonia Region Budget-Friendly €290K (detached), €175K (semi-detached)
Hainaut Province Most Affordable Below regional average
Hasselt Up-and-Coming Affordable with growth potential
Leuven (Heverlee) Up-and-Coming Rising demand near university

How have average house prices in Belgium changed over the past year and compared to five years ago?

Belgian house prices increased by approximately 3% in 2024 and are projected to rise by another 3% in 2025.

Over the past five years, the market experienced steady growth with a notable cooling period in 2022-2023 when higher interest rates temporarily dampened demand. However, the market rebounded in 2024-2025 as interest rates stabilized around 3% for 20-year fixed mortgages.

Looking at the longer trend, house prices have risen by more than 60% over the past 14 years, significantly outpacing both inflation and wage growth. This has created affordability challenges for many Belgian households, with more than half of Belgians now finding housing unaffordable according to recent surveys.

The Belgian property market has shown remarkable resilience compared to other European countries, maintaining steady appreciation even during economic uncertainty periods.

Regional variations persist, with Brussels and Flanders experiencing stronger price growth than Wallonia, where prices remain more stable and affordable for buyers.

What are the forecasts for house prices in Belgium over the next year, five years, and ten years?

Property price forecasts for Belgium show continued moderate growth across all timeframes as we reach mid-2025.

For the next year, analysts project a 3% increase in 2025, with slightly higher growth of 3.6% expected in 2026. This growth rate reflects stable economic conditions and continued housing demand outpacing supply in major urban areas.

Over the next five years, moderate annual growth of 3-4% is expected, assuming stable economic conditions and persistent housing shortages in desirable locations. The Belgian property market benefits from strong fundamentals including population growth, urbanization trends, and limited land availability.

Ten-year forecasts suggest continued steady growth, but at a slower pace than the previous decade's exceptional performance. Long-term growth may accelerate if housing supply remains constrained relative to demand, particularly in Brussels and other major cities.

It's something we develop in our Belgium property pack.

Don't lose money on your property in Belgium

100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.

investing in real estate in  Belgium

How do prices per square meter vary across cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, and rural areas?

Price per square meter varies dramatically across Belgian cities, reflecting local demand and economic conditions.

Brussels commands the highest prices at €3,422–€3,483 per square meter for apartments and €2,844–€3,260 for houses. Luxury neighborhoods like Uccle, Ixelles, and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre can reach €4,000–€5,700 per square meter for premium properties.

Antwerp offers more moderate pricing at €2,819 per square meter for apartments and €2,393 for houses, making it attractive for buyers seeking urban amenities at lower costs than Brussels.

Ghent shows similar patterns to Antwerp with €3,470 per square meter for apartments and €2,763 for houses, reflecting its status as a university city with strong rental demand.

Liège represents exceptional value at €2,241 per square meter for apartments and €1,689 for houses, making it the most affordable major city for property investment.

Rural areas throughout Belgium offer significantly lower prices per square meter than urban centers, particularly in Wallonia where buyers can find substantial properties at attractive prices.

What is the total cost of buying a house in Belgium including taxes, notary fees, and other legal or administrative charges?

The total cost of buying property in Belgium extends well beyond the purchase price, with additional expenses reaching 11-15% for existing properties.

Registration tax represents the largest additional cost, varying by region and property type. Flanders charges 2-12%, Brussels imposes 12.5% with potential exemptions, and Wallonia applies 6-12.5% with various exemptions for first-time buyers and energy-efficient properties.

Notary fees range from 0.2% to 4% of the purchase price, averaging about 1.6% nationwide. These fees cover legal documentation, property searches, and official registration of the transaction.

Mortgage-related costs include a 1% registration fee on the mortgage amount plus administrative expenses for loan processing and property valuation. These typically add another 1-2% to total buying costs.

For new builds, total buyer costs can reach up to 22% due to VAT obligations, making existing properties more cost-effective for many buyers seeking to minimize upfront expenses.

How much can a buyer typically borrow with a mortgage in Belgium, and what are the average interest rates and monthly repayments today?

Belgian mortgage lending typically allows loan-to-value ratios of 80-90% for first-time buyers, though 80% represents the standard for most borrowers.

As of June 2025, interest rates hover around 3% for 20-year fixed mortgages, providing stability and predictability for long-term financial planning. These rates reflect the European Central Bank's monetary policy and Belgium's strong credit rating.

For a typical €300,000 mortgage at 3% interest over 20 years, monthly repayments amount to approximately €1,660. However, actual payments vary widely based on loan amount, term, and individual circumstances.

Many Belgian households dedicate 20-40% of their net income to mortgage payments, though this varies significantly by region and property type. Lenders typically require debt-to-income ratios below 40% to approve mortgage applications.

Despite affordability challenges reported by many Belgians, first-time buyers remain active in the market, particularly in areas with strong growth potential and reasonable entry prices.

What are examples of typical purchase prices for different types of properties in popular cities or neighborhoods?

Property prices across Belgian cities demonstrate significant regional variations for similar property types.

In Brussels, detached houses command approximately €1.1 million while apartments range from €260,000–€400,000 depending on neighborhood and condition. Premium areas within Brussels can push apartment prices significantly higher.

Antwerp offers more accessible pricing with detached houses at €400,000–€500,000 and apartments between €250,000–€350,000, making it attractive for buyers seeking urban lifestyle at moderate costs.

Ghent shows similar pricing patterns to Antwerp, with detached houses at €400,000–€600,000 and apartments ranging €250,000–€350,000, reflecting its appeal as a historic university city.

Liège represents exceptional value with detached houses at approximately €290,000 and apartments starting around €175,000, offering the lowest prices among major Belgian cities.

It's something we develop in our Belgium property pack.

infographics rental yields citiesBelgium

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Belgium versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are the smartest buying options right now if your goal is to live in the property long term vs rent it out vs resell it later at a profit?

Your buying strategy should align with your specific objectives and timeline for the Belgian property market.

For long-term living, focus on energy-efficient homes in up-and-coming neighborhoods like Brussels' northern districts or Heverlee in Leuven. These areas offer growth potential while providing quality of life improvements through green spaces and good transport connections.

Short-term rental investments perform best with apartments in Brussels, Antwerp, or Bruges where tourism and expat demand remain consistently high. These cities attract international visitors and business travelers willing to pay premium rates for well-located accommodations.

Long-term rental strategies work well with apartments or small houses in university cities like Leuven and Ghent, or in major urban centers where young professionals seek quality housing near employment centers.

For resale profit, target areas with strong growth potential including Heverlee, Hasselt, and Brussels' redeveloping districts. However, be aware that high transaction costs and taxes make short-term resale less profitable than longer-term appreciation strategies.

Energy-efficient properties across all strategies benefit from government incentives and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and tenants.

How do Belgian property prices compare to those in similar European cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, or Vienna?

Belgian property prices remain significantly more affordable than most major European capitals, offering attractive value for international buyers.

Amsterdam commands €5,000–€7,000 per square meter in the city center, making it substantially more expensive than Brussels' €3,400–€3,500 per square meter for comparable properties.

Paris represents the premium end of European property markets at €10,000–€12,000 per square meter in central areas, roughly three times the cost of prime Brussels locations.

Berlin and Vienna generally cost more than most Belgian cities except Brussels, though they remain less expensive than Amsterdam or Paris. These cities offer similar urban amenities at moderately higher prices than Belgian alternatives.

Belgium's competitive advantage lies in offering European capital city lifestyle and amenities at significantly lower property prices, particularly outside Brussels where buyers can access major cities while enjoying suburban or rural pricing.

What are the current best strategies for investing in Belgian real estate in 2025, given the current trends and market conditions?

1. **Energy-efficient properties**: High demand and government incentives make these attractive for long-term value appreciation and rental income generation.2. **Urban apartments**: Strong rental yields in Brussels (5-6%) and Antwerp (4-5%) provide steady income streams for investors.3. **Up-and-coming neighborhoods**: Areas with good transport links, green spaces, and development projects like Brussels' northern districts and Heverlee offer growth potential.4. **Buy-to-let focus**: Cities with high expat and student populations provide steady rental demand and reliable income streams.5. **Avoid short-term flipping**: High transaction costs and taxes make quick resale strategies less profitable than long-term appreciation plays.

It's something we develop in our Belgium property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Belgium Price Forecasts - InvestRopa
  2. Belgium Property Analysis - Aparthotel.com
  3. Brussels Times - House Price Analysis
  4. Statbel - House Price Index
  5. Europe Data - Belgium House Prices
  6. Belgium Investment Areas - InvestRopa
  7. Belgium Real Estate Trends - InvestRopa
  8. Global Property Guide - Belgium
  9. Immoweb Price Guide
  10. Expatica - Buying Property Belgium