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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
1,1% Average price per 1 m²
increase per quarter
14—22% Buyers’ related expenses,
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

Purchase
Ownership
Sale

Property buyers pay a value-added tax for new builds or a transfer tax for resale properties. There is an additional notary fee.

Associated costs range from 13.7% to 21.6% of the purchase agreement value. When buying a new apartment for €500,000, the investor will spend €608,000, including associated costs.

13.7—21.6% Of the contract value are related costs for the purchase of housing in Belgium
Purchase expenses
New buildings

VAT

21%
Resale property

Transfer tax

10—12.5%

​​Depends on the region

Notary fee 
1.6%

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—232 

per month

Internet, TV and telephone
€33—70 

per 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
Expenses on the sale
Capital gains tax

Paid 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.

Igor Buglo
Prepared a guide on investing in real estate in Belgium