Buying real estate in Brussels remains more affordable than in most major European capitals. The Belgian real estate market, in general, still offers good opportunities, and investing can be interesting if you plan to stay long-term. As is often the case in Belgium, the processes involve a certain amount of bureaucracy: here is the essential knowledge to navigate the Brussels and Belgian market.
The real estate market in Brussels
In 2025, real estate prices in Brussels continue to rise, while remaining competitive compared to other European capitals. The average price per square meter is around €3,982, an increase of 4.42% over the year. More specifically, you can expect to pay an average of €3,743/m² for an apartment and €4,062/m² for a house. These amounts are significantly lower than those observed in Paris (about €10,700/m²) or London (nearly €15,500/m²).
According to the latest data from Statbel, the median price of an apartment in Brussels stands at €265,000 in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 1.9% increase compared to the previous year. As always, this price can vary significantly depending on the communes, neighborhoods, and property characteristics: areas popular with expatriates like Ixelles or Uccle show much higher levels.
House prices follow the same trend. In the first quarter of 2025, the median price of a house in Brussels reaches around €525,000, up about 7.1% from 2024. As always, disparities are significant: peripheral or less central communes remain more affordable, while neighborhoods sought after by expatriates display noticeably higher prices.
The most sought-after communes in Brussels for expatriates include:
- Uccle;
- Ixelles;
- Forest;
- Saint-Gilles;
- Watermael-Boitsfort;
- Auderghem;
- Etterbeek;
- Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre.
Below, a map allows you to discover the median price by type of building and by commune.
Good to know:
In Belgium, several types of housing are distinguished: a closed house (adjoining on both sides), a semi-detached house (adjoining on one side only), and, by contrast, a detached house (four façades, completely independent).
In the first half of 2025, the median price for a closed or semi-detached house was:
- €290,000 for Belgium;
- €200,250 for the Walloon Region;
- €525,000 for the Brussels-Capital Region;
- €320,000 for the Flemish Region.
Can you buy property in Brussels as an expat?
In some countries, restrictions exist for foreigners wishing to become property owners. In Belgium, this is not the case: expats, whether residents or not, can freely purchase a house or apartment, provided, of course, they have the necessary funds.
However, note that there are different tax implications depending on whether you are a resident or not. Therefore, when it comes time to declare your taxes, ensure that your accountant understands your status in Belgium so that you can pay accordingly.
Moreover, if you plan to rent out your property, any income generated from these rentals (even short-term) must be declared to the Belgian tax authorities. Failure to do so may result in a fine in the form of a 200% surcharge or up to €1,250.
There are, however, potential tax benefits, including reductions on registration fees or deductions related to loan interest, depending on the region where you purchase, the date of your loan subscription, and your household composition. To maximize your benefits and avoid mistakes, it is strongly recommended to consult a tax expert.
How to find a property to buy in Brussels
It's not uncommon, while walking through the streets of Brussels, to come across a house or apartment for sale. You will see an orange sign that reads either “te koop” in Dutch or “à vendre” in French. There will usually also be a phone number and/or an email address listed. You can then call directly or send an email to learn more. You can also arrange a viewing this way.
Alternatively, you can let your networks know that you are looking to buy a property in Brussels. It is quite likely that you will find what you are looking for through family, friends, colleagues, or groups on your social networks. In Belgium, there is always someone who knows someone who is about to sell a house or apartment.
But how else can you find the ideal property you want to buy?
Many people work with specialized agencies, called “immokantoor” in Dutch.
These professionals know the market well and can offer you houses or apartments that match your criteria. They often accompany you throughout the process, saving you time searching on your own.
There are also property hunters. They are like real estate agents, except they offer more tailored and much more personalized services.
The cost is generally higher, but it may be worth it if you are targeting highly demanded neighborhoods like Ixelles or Uccle.
If you decide to hire a professional real estate agent or a property hunter, opt for a fixed price. This will protect you from potential surprises. Many will try to charge you an hourly rate, which can quickly drive up the costs.
Finally, if you prefer to manage your searches alone, numerous online real estate portals allow you to browse listings independently. The most used in Belgium are Immoweb and Zimmo.
Getting a mortgage in Brussels
In Belgium, it is common to finance the purchase of a property with a mortgage loan. Banks generally offer two options: fixed rate or variable rate. The former provides total security, as the amount of your monthly payments remains the same throughout the loan. The latter is more flexible: the rate can rise or fall, but it is capped and cannot exceed double the initial rate.
A variable rate loan can sometimes be more advantageous over time, especially if you plan to resell the property or renegotiate your loan before its term. In this case, you will have already repaid more capital than interest, leaving you in a more favorable financial position.
The duration of a mortgage loan is generally between 10 and 30 years. Many homeowners choose long-term options (20 or 30 years) to reduce monthly payments, even if this slightly increases the total cost of the credit.
Each situation is different, so it is recommended to discuss your project with a professional or directly with your bank. They can analyze your needs, income, and objectives to offer you the most suitable option.
Legal procedures for buying real estate in Brussels
As mentioned earlier, Belgium is a very bureaucratic country, and as such, there are many regulations for almost everything. Therefore, it would be a very good idea to hire a real estate agent. They will help you find the best deals, fill out all the correct documents, and navigate the flow of formalities required.
Once you have found the house or apartment you wish to buy, make your offer. In Belgium, this will generally be below the asking price to leave room for negotiation.
When the seller accepts, the parties sign a sales agreement, which is legally binding. At this stage, the buyer must pay a deposit of about 10% of the sale price.
Several costs are added to the price of the property:
- Registration fees (registration duties): 12.5% in Brussels and Wallonia, versus 3% or 12% in Flanders depending on the case;
- VAT of 21% if the property is less than two years old (instead of registration duties);
- Notary fees, variable (on average 0.2% to 4% of the price);
- Possibly an appraisal (~€200), often required by the bank;
- Agency fees (3 to 5%), if you went through a professional.
Good news for buyers in Brussels: a deduction of €175,000 applies to the taxable base of registration duties, which significantly reduces the bill for a first acquisition.
The notary then drafts the authentic deed of sale, which formalizes the transfer of ownership. This deed must be signed within four months of the agreement and registered with the commune. It legally secures the transaction and guarantees your rights as the new owner. Many essential details regarding all procedures are also available on the website notaire.be.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
