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Buying or
renting?

A question that concerns almost every Belgian aged 20 to 45. The answer depends on your situation, your horizon, and especially your region.

Take the quiz → Read the articles
2-3%
Registration duties in Flanders and Wallonia Versus 12.5% in Brussels (rebate possible)
€25k
Maximum savings via the Brussels rebate On the first €200,000 for an own home
33%
Maximum debt ratio at Belgian banks Up to 40% with a strong file
5 years
Recommended minimum horizon to amortize purchase costs Below that, renting is often more profitable

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6 questions adapted to your region. We calculate your borrowing capacity live and guide you to the best decision for you.

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The articles in this topic

Filter by outcome or region
Region:
🏛️ Brussels — What you need to know
Registration duties of 12.5% but rebate on the first €200,000 → up to €25,000 saved. Dense real estate market, high prices, numerous regional and municipal grants.
🌻 Wallonia — What you need to know
Registration duties of 3% since 2026 — one of the most favorable reforms in Europe. Property prices more accessible than in Brussels. Renolution grants for energy renovation.
🌊 Flanders — What you need to know
Registration duties of 2% since 2025, the first Belgian region to make this reform. Highly developed renovation grants system via Fluvius and Mijn VerbouwPremie.
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By region
Registration duties in Belgium — the complete 2026 guide
2% in Flanders and 3% in Wallonia, 12.5% in Brussels with rebate. We explain everything: who's eligible, how they're calculated, and what changed in 2026.
📖 6 min read
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🏛️
🟢 Buying
Brussels registration duties — up to €25,000 savings
How does the rebate on the first €200,000 work in Brussels? Who qualifies, how to claim it, and what it concretely changes on the final price.
📖 5 min read
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🟢 Buying
Buying in Wallonia in 2026 — 3% duties and available support
Since the 2026 reform, registration duties dropped to 3% in Wallonia. We explain why and how to take advantage.
📖 4 min read
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🟢 Buying
Buying in Flanders — registration duties of 2% explained
Flanders was the first region to lower its registration duties to 2% for an own and only home. Conditions, examples and pitfalls to avoid.
📖 5 min read
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🟢 Buying
Checklist before signing a sale agreement
Essential checks: EPC, urban planning, easements, soil pollution. Nothing should be left to chance.
📖 8 min read
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🟢 Buying
How to calculate your borrowing capacity in Belgium
Debt ratio, down payment, expenses — the Belgian banks' method explained.
📖 6 min read
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🟡 Waiting
How to save efficiently for a future home purchase
Which savings account, how much to set aside each month — strategies to build your down payment quickly.
📖 5 min read
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🟡 Waiting
When and how to approach a bank for a mortgage
When to contact your bank, what documents to prepare and how to optimize your file.
📖 6 min read
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🟡 Waiting
Mistakes to avoid before a mortgage application
New loan, job change, overdraft — these behaviors can cause your file to fail.
📖 4 min read
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🟡 Brussels
The Brussels real estate market in 2026 — trends and opportunities
Prices by municipality, developing neighborhoods, optimal timing to buy in Brussels this year.
📖 5 min read
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🟡 Wallonia
The Walloon real estate market in 2026 — where and when to buy
The most affordable Walloon cities, price trends, and how to leverage the 2026 tax reform.
📖 5 min read
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🟡 Flanders
The Flemish real estate market in 2026 — cities to watch
Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges — where to buy in Flanders in 2026 for the best value.
📖 5 min read
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🔴 Renting
Your rights as a tenant in Belgium — 2026 guide
Security deposit, inventory of fixtures, notice period, rent indexation... Everything you need to know to rent peacefully, with the specific regional rules.
📖 8 min read
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🔴 Renting
How to reduce your costs as a tenant
Negotiate your rent, optimize common charges, benefit from energy grants as a tenant — concrete tips to pay less without moving.
📖 5 min read
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🔴 Renting
Investing other than in real estate — the alternatives
ETFs, pension savings, government bonds — if buying isn't on the cards, how to make your money work.
📖 6 min read
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🔴 Renting
Saving efficiently for a future purchase — even while renting
How to build a solid down payment while paying rent. Savings strategies tailored to Belgian tenants.
📖 5 min read
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