Engel & Völkers
  • 15 min read

Engel & Völkers Strengthens Its Company-Owned Network In Belgium

The Agencies Antwerp Centrum, Brasschaat and Heide-Kalmthout Become The Next Step in The Company-Owned National Growth Strategy

Marick Schippers & Oliver Van Blerk

Flanders marks the second stage of Engel & Völkers Belgium’s strategic growth plan, with the integration of three former franchise offices in the Antwerp region into the company-owned network.

Engel & Völkers, the international leader in premium real estate services, continues to expand in Belgium by taking direct ownership of the Antwerp Centrum, Brasschaat, and Heide-Kalmthout offices. This move follows a successful restructuring in Brussels and Walloon Brabant, where four new company-owned agencies opened in 2024 (in Uccle, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Waterloo, and Nivelles) with a fifth one soon to open in Brussels city center.

This expansion reflects Engel & Völkers’ long-term ambition to unify its Belgian operations, enhance efficiency, and deliver a more integrated, client-focused real estate service nationwide.

We decided to operate directly — rather than through a franchise — in metropolitan areas and cities, where we can be more aggressive in terms of growth and come to lead these markets in residential real estate. After the success of this model in Rome, Barcelona, and most recently Brussels and its surroundings, we are now extending this approach to Antwerp.
Ricardo Arends, Chief Operational Excellence Officer at Engel & Völkers.

Belgium: A Strategic Market for Engel & Völkers

Despite its size, Belgium plays a key role in the international network of Engel & Völkers. Its central European location, multicultural diversity, and stable, diversified real estate market make it an attractive environment for sustainable growth.

From coastal properties and urban apartments to countryside estates, Belgium offers a rich variety of real estate opportunities. Moreover, Belgian clients, both national and international, are known for their high expectations of service quality and global reach, aligning perfectly with Engel & Völkers’ values of excellence, expertise, and premium client care.

A New Dynamic for Real Estate in Antwerp

As Belgium’s second-largest city, Antwerp is a major economic, cultural, and residential hub. Known for its vibrant port, international profile, and exceptional quality of life, the city naturally stands out as a key growth market for Engel & Völkers Belgium.

The integration of the Antwerp offices marks the beginning of a new phase of development, with a clear ambition: to become the leading real estate agency in Antwerp within three years.

This goal will be achieved by combining local market expertise with the operational and financial strength of Engel & Völkers company-owned entities. The unified structure will also enable the deployment of new digital tools, marketing strategies, and training programs, ensuring an even higher standard of service for property owners and buyers.

Former shareholders Frédéric Van Blerk and Philippe Rummens will now focus entirely on operational excellence, leveraging their deep local knowledge and networks. Oliver Van Blerk, Frédéric’s son, takes on the role of Sales Director for the three Antwerp offices, supported by Marick Schippers, Managing Director Engel & Völkers Market Center Belgium

This integration strengthens Engel & Völkers’ foundation in Belgium and increases collaboration and knowledge sharing between teams. Over recent months, we have brought new energy to Brussels and Walloon Brabant through a more collaborative approach focused on customer satisfaction. We are now extending that same dynamic to our colleagues in Antwerp, with whom we already work closely
Marick Schippers, Managing Director Engel & Völkers Market Center Belgium

Towards a Unified, Innovative Real Estate Network in Belgium

This strategic integration represents a significant milestone in Engel & Völkers Belgium’s growth journey. By merging the strengths of Brussels and Antwerp, the company ensures comprehensive market coverage while maintaining the personalized, local service that defines its reputation.

Clients can continue to rely on their trusted local advisors, now backed by the resources, marketing capabilities, and innovation of a unified national structure.

Through this transformation, Engel & Völkers Belgium reaffirms its commitment to long-term growth, innovation, and excellence, continuing its mission to set the benchmark for luxury real estate services in Belgium.

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Engel & Völkers Belgium

Chaussée de Waterloo 1173

1180 Uccle, Brussels

Tel: +32 2 880 40 21