Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Belgium Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Belgium Property Pack
Belgium's property market is showing steady growth heading into 2026, with prices rising again after the rate shock of previous years.
In this article, we break down the latest housing prices in Belgium, regional differences, and what experts expect for the coming years.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh data so you always have the most current picture of the Belgian real estate market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Belgium.
Insights
- Apartments in Belgium outperformed houses in 2025, gaining 4.1% versus just 2% for terraced homes, making them the fastest-appreciating property type nationwide.
- The price gap between Brussels and Wallonia remains massive: a typical attached house costs €525,000 in the capital but only €197,000 in Wallonia, a difference of nearly €330,000.
- Belgium's official house price index shows 3.7% annual inflation in Q3 2025, which means prices are rising but not at the explosive pace seen in some neighboring countries.
- Knokke-Heist on the Belgian coast consistently ranks among the most expensive municipalities, driven by second-home demand that keeps supply tight year-round.
- The Brussels commuter belt, including municipalities like Tervuren, Overijse, and Kraainem, sees persistent price pressure as buyers trade city living for more space.
- Belgian property typically appreciates at a mid-single-digit rate over the long term, with base-case forecasts pointing to 20% to 30% cumulative growth over five years.
- Mortgage rate stability matters more than headlines in Belgium: even a 0.5 percentage point drop in rates can meaningfully boost what buyers can afford.
- Older Belgian homes without energy upgrades are increasingly discounted, as buyers factor in renovation costs before making offers.
What are the current property price trends in Belgium as of 2026?
What is the average house price in Belgium as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical house price in Belgium sits around €280,000 for a terraced or semi-detached home, while detached houses (often called villas) reach a median of €390,000, and apartments come in at roughly €255,000.
When it comes to price per square meter, Belgium's national average for apartments falls between €2,800 and €3,300 per m², while houses generally range from €1,900 to €2,700 per m², with Brussels pushing above these figures and Wallonia sitting below.
For most buyers in Belgium, the realistic price range covering roughly 80% of purchases stretches from around €180,000 at the lower end in Wallonia to €550,000 or more in prime Brussels areas, which gives you a sense of how regional differences really shape what you'll pay.
How much have property prices increased in Belgium over the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months leading into late 2025, Belgium's official house price index rose by approximately 3.7%, signaling a return to steady growth after the uncertainty of recent years.
Looking at specific property types, apartments led the way with a 4.1% increase, while terraced and semi-detached houses gained around 2%, and detached villas rose by about 2.6%, so the gains varied quite a bit depending on what you were buying.
The single biggest factor behind this price movement was the stabilization of mortgage rates after the sharp increases in 2022 and 2023, which restored buyer confidence and brought demand back into the market.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest rising property prices in Belgium as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the fastest rising property prices in Belgium include Kraainem, Tervuren, and Overijse in the Brussels commuter belt, along with Knokke-Heist on the coast and select Brussels communes like Ixelles.
These top-performing areas are seeing annual price growth in the range of 5% to 8%, with premium coastal locations and inner-Brussels communes often hitting the higher end of that spectrum.
The main demand driver is a combination of limited housing supply in desirable locations and strong buyer interest from professionals seeking space near job centers, which creates persistent upward pressure on prices in these specific municipalities.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges across neighborhoods in our property pack covering the real estate market in Belgium.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Belgium. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which property types are increasing faster in value in Belgium as of 2026?
As of early 2026, apartments are the fastest-appreciating property type in Belgium, followed by detached houses (villas) in second place, and terraced or semi-detached houses coming in third.
Apartments specifically gained around 4.1% over the past year, which is roughly double the growth rate seen for attached houses during the same period.
The main reason apartments are outperforming is that they represent the entry point for first-time buyers facing affordability constraints, and they dominate demand in Brussels and other major Belgian cities where jobs and universities concentrate.
Finally, if you're interested in a specific property type, you will find our latest analyses here:
What is driving property prices up or down in Belgium as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three factors driving Belgium's property prices are stabilizing mortgage rates, persistent supply shortages in sought-after locations, and a macro environment of moderate growth rather than recession.
The single factor with the strongest upward pressure is the end of the interest rate shock from 2022 to 2023, which has restored buyer confidence and allowed households to re-enter the market with clearer expectations about their borrowing costs.
If you want to understand these factors at a deeper level, you can read our latest property market analysis about Belgium here.
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What is the property price forecast for Belgium in 2026?
How much are property prices expected to increase in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, property prices in Belgium are expected to increase by around 3% to 5% over the full year in the base-case scenario.
Forecasts from different analysts range from a softer scenario of 0% to 2% growth if affordability constraints bite harder, up to a stronger scenario of 5% to 7% if mortgage rates ease more than expected and demand snaps back faster.
The main assumption underlying most of these forecasts is that Belgium will see moderate economic growth without a recession, which typically prevents forced selling and supports steady housing demand.
We go deeper and try to understand how solid are these forecasts in our pack covering the property market in Belgium.
Which neighborhoods will see the highest price growth in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods expected to see the highest price growth in Belgium include Brussels inner-ring communes like Schaerbeek, Saint-Gilles, and Etterbeek, along with commuter-belt municipalities such as Tervuren and Leuven.
These top neighborhoods could see price growth in the range of 5% to 8% in 2026, with supply-constrained areas and those benefiting from apartment-led demand at the upper end of that range.
The primary catalyst driving expected growth is the combination of job access, transport links, and limited new supply, which concentrates buyer demand into these specific locations.
One emerging neighborhood that could surprise with higher-than-expected growth is Charleroi, where affordability attracts buyers priced out of Brussels and even modest demand shifts can produce larger percentage gains from a lower price base.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Belgium.
What property types will appreciate the most in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, apartments are expected to appreciate the most in Belgium, followed by terraced and semi-detached houses, with detached villas likely to see the slowest growth.
The projected appreciation for apartments in Belgium sits in the 4% to 5% range for 2026, continuing their recent outperformance over other property types.
The main demand trend driving apartment appreciation is affordability pressure, as first-time buyers and urban renters gravitate toward smaller units in cities where jobs and universities are concentrated.
On the other hand, detached houses and villas are expected to underperform because they face greater sensitivity to renovation costs and tighter affordability at higher price points, which limits the pool of potential buyers.
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.
How will interest rates affect property prices in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, interest rate trends are having a stabilizing effect on Belgium's property prices, as the end of the sharp rate hikes from 2022 to 2023 has restored buyer confidence and allowed demand to return to the market.
Belgium's effective mortgage rates currently hover around 3% to 4% for typical home loans, and most expectations point to rates drifting slightly lower or holding steady through 2026 rather than rising significantly.
As a rough rule of thumb, a 1% change in mortgage rates in Belgium can shift what buyers can afford by around 10%, which translates fairly directly into price support when rates fall or price pressure when they rise.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Belgium.
What are the biggest risks for property prices in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three biggest risks for property prices in Belgium are an affordability snapback if rates rise again or incomes lag, a renovation shock where buyers heavily discount older inefficient homes, and a macro downturn if economic growth underperforms official forecasts.
Among these, the affordability risk has the highest probability of materializing, since even modest rate increases or wage stagnation could quickly cool buyer demand in a market where prices already sit high relative to incomes in prime areas.
We actually cover all these risks and their likelihoods in our pack about the real estate market in Belgium.
Is it a good time to buy a rental property in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, Belgium can be a reasonable time to buy a rental property if you're focused on stable cash flow from well-located apartments rather than speculating on quick price gains.
The strongest argument in favor of buying now is that mortgage rates have stabilized, supply remains tight in high-demand locations like Brussels and university cities, and rental demand stays solid thanks to Belgium's employment centers and student populations.
The strongest argument for waiting is that prices already sit relatively high in prime zones, which compresses rental yields, and any unexpected rate increases or economic slowdown could reduce both tenant demand and property values.
If you want to know our latest analysis (results may differ from what you just read), you can read our assessment on whether now is a good time to buy a property in Belgium.
You'll also find a dedicated document about this specific question in our pack about real estate in Belgium.
Buying real estate in Belgium can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Where will property prices be in 5 years in Belgium?
What is the 5-year property price forecast for Belgium as of 2026?
As of early 2026, cumulative property price growth in Belgium over the next five years is expected to reach around 20% to 30% in the base-case scenario.
The range of forecasts spans from a conservative scenario of 5% to 15% total growth if economic conditions disappoint, up to an optimistic scenario of 35% to 45% if rates ease significantly and demand strengthens.
This translates to a projected average annual appreciation rate of roughly 3.7% to 5.4% per year over the five-year period in Belgium.
The key assumption most forecasters rely on is that Belgium will maintain a stable macro environment with moderate growth rather than experiencing a major financial shock or recession that would disrupt housing demand.
Which areas in Belgium will have the best price growth over the next 5 years?
The top three areas in Belgium expected to have the best price growth over the next five years are Brussels and its inner communes like Ixelles and Etterbeek, the Leuven-Mechelen-Antwerp corridor, and Ghent with its strong economic fundamentals.
These top-performing areas in Belgium could see cumulative five-year growth in the range of 25% to 40%, depending on how strongly the macro environment supports demand.
This broadly aligns with the shorter-term forecast, though the five-year view gives more weight to structural factors like job growth and transport links rather than near-term rate fluctuations.
One currently undervalued area with strong five-year potential is Liège, where lower entry prices combined with improving connectivity could deliver outsized percentage gains if demand continues shifting toward affordable but connected markets.
What property type will give the best return in Belgium over 5 years as of 2026?
As of early 2026, apartments in strong rental micro-locations are expected to give the best total return over five years in Belgium, combining price appreciation with steady rental income.
The projected five-year total return for well-located apartments in Belgium, including both price growth and net rental yield, falls in the range of 35% to 55%, depending on the specific location and market conditions.
The main structural trend favoring apartments is the shift toward smaller households in urban areas, combined with persistent demand from students, young professionals, and renters in Brussels and major Belgian cities.
For buyers who want a balance of return and lower risk over five years, terraced houses in good commuter locations offer a solid middle ground, with less volatility than premium apartments but better growth potential than detached villas.
How will new infrastructure projects affect property prices in Belgium over 5 years?
The top infrastructure developments expected to impact Belgium property prices over the next five years include rail network improvements connecting Brussels suburbs, tram extensions in Antwerp and Ghent, and road capacity upgrades in the Flemish commuter belt.
Properties near completed infrastructure projects in Belgium typically see a price premium of 5% to 15% compared to similar homes further from new stations or improved connections.
The neighborhoods that will benefit most from these developments include areas along upgraded rail lines such as municipalities in Flemish and Walloon Brabant that become "one commute-stop closer" to Brussels job centers.
How will population growth and other factors impact property values in Belgium in 5 years?
Belgium's population is projected to grow modestly over the next five years, and combined with continued household formation, this should support property values by maintaining steady demand, especially in urban centers.
The demographic shift with the strongest influence on Belgium's property market is the trend toward smaller households, as more people live alone or in couples without children, which directly increases demand for apartments and smaller homes.
Migration patterns, both domestic moves toward job centers and international arrivals, are expected to concentrate housing demand in Brussels, Antwerp, and university cities like Leuven and Ghent, supporting prices in these locations.
Apartments in Brussels and major Flemish cities will benefit most from these demographic trends, while rural areas and locations without strong employment bases may see slower growth or even stagnation.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Belgium compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What is the 10 year property price outlook in Belgium?
What is the 10-year property price prediction for Belgium as of 2026?
As of early 2026, cumulative property price growth in Belgium over the next 10 years is expected to reach around 45% to 70% in the base-case scenario.
The range of forecasts spans from a conservative scenario of 20% to 40% total growth if conditions disappoint, up to an optimistic scenario of 80% to 100% if Belgium experiences sustained strong demand and favorable rate conditions.
This translates to a projected average annual appreciation rate of roughly 3.8% to 5.5% per year over the decade in Belgium, consistent with the country's historical pattern of steady compounding.
The biggest uncertainty factor in making 10-year predictions for Belgium is the long-term interest rate regime, since even small shifts in borrowing costs compound significantly over a decade and fundamentally shape what buyers can afford.
What long-term economic factors will shape property prices in Belgium?
The top three long-term economic factors that will shape property prices in Belgium over the next decade are the interest rate regime, real income growth concentrated in employment centers, and the housing quality and energy renovation cycle.
The single factor with the most positive potential impact is sustained real income growth in Belgium's major job centers like Brussels, Antwerp, and the Flemish diamond, which would support purchasing power and keep demand strong.
The greatest structural risk to Belgium's property values is a prolonged period of high interest rates that would compress affordability and force buyers to pay less, potentially flattening or reversing price growth for years.
You'll also find a much more detailed analysis in our pack about real estate in Belgium.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Belgium, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Statbel House Prices Q3 2025 | Belgium's official statistics office using registered deeds from real completed sales. | We used it for median transaction prices by property type and region. We also pulled municipality examples directly from their tables. |
| Statbel House Price Index | The official methodology-documented price index for Belgian housing inflation. | We used it for the cleanest market trend signal using hedonic quality-adjusted methods. We also used its regional and property type breakdowns. |
| ECB Residential Property Prices | The European Central Bank's official data portal harmonizing member-state datasets. | We used it to cross-check Belgium's direction versus the broader euro-area cycle. We kept our cross-border comparisons grounded with this data. |
| FRED BIS Belgium Property Prices | It republishes BIS property price series in a transparent, downloadable format. | We used it as an independent cross-check for long-run direction. We relied on it mainly for historical context and cycle framing. |
| National Bank of Belgium Projections | Belgium's central bank, providing baseline projections many institutions benchmark to. | We used it to anchor 2026 to 2028 macro assumptions driving housing demand. We translated those into property price growth scenarios. |
| NBB Macroeconomic Projections Hub | The central reference page for the latest projection releases from Belgium's central bank. | We used it to confirm timing so the article stays current as of the first half of 2026. We avoided cherry-picking older outlooks by checking here first. |
| European Commission Belgium Forecast | Official EU forecast track with consistent methodology across all member countries. | We used it to triangulate the macro baseline against the NBB view. We stress-tested housing forecasts under alternative growth paths. |
| Notaire.be Real Estate Barometer | The Belgian notaries' network summarizing transaction evidence from actual deed signings. | We used it to cross-check Statbel price direction with another transaction-based source. We also used its houses versus apartments split. |
| Fednot Vastgoedbarometer Q1 2025 | Directly from the national notaries' federation with quick quarterly summaries. | We used it as a second notary-based checkpoint on price levels and activity. We supported demand narratives around rates and taxes with it. |
| ECB Belgium Mortgage Rate Series | The official ECB statistical series for bank interest rates including Belgium specifically. | We used it to tie affordability to actual lending rates rather than headlines. We translated rate moves into monthly payment impacts. |
| NBB MFI Interest Rates | The national publication channel for Belgium's banking rate statistics. | We used it as a Belgium-first reference for the same rate family. We validated that the rate story was consistent across ECB and NBB channels. |
| Reuters Euro-Area Housing Coverage | Major newsroom clearly attributing claims to ECB analysis and official statements. | We used it only for color on the euro-area cycle and ECB affordability concerns. We kept the macro mood consistent with central banker commentary. |
| Immoweb Price Index | A widely-used market benchmark publishing price per square meter by region. | We used it as the level anchor for price-per-m² estimates by region. We then adjusted forward using Statbel's inflation signal. |
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If you want to go deeper, you can read the following: