Real estate investment in Belgium
Selling real estate to foreigners in Belgium is not limited: you can buy and sell housing and commercial real estate or rent it out.
Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow by an average of 1.1% every quarter. Five years ago, an apartment of 100 m² cost an average of €247,000, and today it is sold for €305,000.
€3,047
Average price per 1 m²
of housing in Belgium
of housing in Belgium
1,1%
Average price per 1 m²
increase per quarter
increase per quarter
14—22%
Buyers’ related expenses,
of the transaction amount
of the transaction amount
How the residential property price index is growing in Belgium
Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Belgium
€1 million
Penthouse in the centre of Brussels
€500,000
Apartment in Brussels
€300,000
Apartment in Bruges
What do investors buy?
Real estate in the capital Brussels and the provinces of Brabant and Antwerp are in high demand.
Apartments
- penthouses
- duplexes
- apartments
Houses
- townhouses
- houses and villas
- castles and estates
Belgium residence permit or citizenship by real estate investment
Obtaining a Belgium residence permit or citizenship is not connected with purchasing real estate or investing in the country’s economy.
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Taxes and associated costs
Taxes
Property owners pay an annual tax ranging from 1.25% to 2.5% of the cadastral value. The rate depends on the region.
In addition, owners pay a municipal tax, which base rate is up to 8% of the property tax amount. The municipal tax rates vary by region.
If the owner rents out the property, they pay a tax on net rental income at a progressive rate of 25% to 50%. The effective tax rate is 9% to 20% on the rental income.
€1,730 Approximate annual costs for maintenance of an apartment
Communal payments
Electricity, gas, water, heating, and garbage collection |
€95—232per month |
Internet, TV and telephone |
€33—70per month |
If the real estate seller has owned an object for less than five years, they pay a capital gains tax of 16.5% on the difference between the sale and purchase prices.
0—16.5% Capital gains tax on the sale of
real estate in Belgium
real estate in Belgium
Expenses on the sale
Capital gains taxPaid on the difference between the purchase and sale prices |
0—16.5% |
Agency fee |
3—5%Of the transaction amount |
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Belgium?
Yes. The sale of real estate to foreigners in Belgium is not limited: you can buy, rent out, and sell residential and commercial real estate.
How much do houses cost in Belgium?
Property prices in Belgium depend on the location. The average cost of 1 m² of housing is €3,047.
How much is the property purchase tax in Belgium?
If you purchase a new property, the VAT is 21%. For secondary property, there is a 10—12,5% transfer tax.
Is Belgium good for real estate?
Yes. Properties in Belgium are liquid assets: residential property increases in price by an average of 1,1% every quarter.
Owning or renting real estate in the country is also one of the requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Belgium for financially independent persons. After 5 years of permanent residence in the country, a foreigner can apply for Belgian citizenship.
