- 10 min read
Market Update: where does the Belgian Market stand in Q1 2025?
The real estate market remains one of the most closely watched pillars when it comes to building, consolidating, or passing on wealth. And 2025 has kicked off with a clear message: activity is picking up again, driven by a series of favorable tax measures and renewed buyer confidence.
But what do these figures really mean? Who are the most active buyers? And which regions are showing the most momentum? At Engel & Völkers, we support our clients with on-the-ground insights to ensure every real estate project is handled with precision and peace of mind.
Here’s our take on the key market trends for Q1 2025.
Activity is picking up: a strong first quarter
Highlights:
+15.7% more sales compared to Q1 2024 nationwide.
+19.1% in Flanders, the most dynamic region during this period.
+12.45% in Wallonia, with peaks in Walloon Brabant (+24.51%) and Namur (+21.48%).
In Brussels, growth is more modest: +1.15%.
This rebound is mainly driven by two key factors :
The reduction in registration duties, effective from January 1, 2025, played a significant role: 3% in Wallonia, 2% in Flanders for a primary and sole residence. On average, buyers saved around €3,000, and with lower interest rates, a spike in contract signings was seen starting in January.
Attractive mortgage rates, around 3% for 20 years at the beginning of the year, further boosted momentum—before a gradual increase started in March. Many buyers seized this window of opportunity.
This particularly favorable environment concentrated much of the activity on high-end properties, naturally pushing average prices upward. This is a temporary trend that reflects the nature of the properties being sold more than a broad increase in market prices.
Prices are rising—but context matters
The average price of a house in Belgium stands at €355,371, up +7.8% from the 2024 annual average. In Wallonia, the rise is steeper (+17.8%), mainly due to sales of higher-end properties, often finalized just after the new tax reform came into effect. In Brussels, the trend is more moderate, with an average price of €589,280 and a growth of +3.4%.
When it comes to apartments, the trend is more stable. The national average remains around €271,218. In Wallonia, there’s a slight increase of +4%, while Brussels sees a restrained rise of +1.4%. In Flanders, prices even dipped slightly, down -1.2%.
One important detail: in January, 44% of homes sold in Wallonia exceeded €300,000, compared to just 13% in December 2024. This shift in the types of properties sold strongly influences average price statistics.
That said, these rising prices don’t necessarily indicate a widespread market surge. They mostly reflect a shift in demand toward more expensive properties. In Wallonia, for example, many buyers fast-tracked the purchase of more modest homes in December 2024 to benefit from the previous tax incentives—creating an artificially stark contrast between the two periods.
Is now the right time to buy?
There’s no such thing as the perfect time to buy or sell property. But this first quarter of 2025 shows that the market is healthy, active, and evolving. The uptick at the start of the year demonstrates that demand is present—once conditions become clearer and more favorable.
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, this climate is ideal for strategic thinking. And that’s exactly how Engel & Völkers supports you—at every step of your journey.
At Engel & Völkers, we believe a strong investment starts with a solid understanding of the market. Our teams advise with transparency, responsiveness, and expertise, helping you turn your real estate project into a real success.
Rely on analysis. Move forward with confidence. Invest with full understanding.