Belgian property, in demand well beyond our borders

30% of demand comes from abroad

A referral is a client that one Engel & Völkers office introduces to another. Over the past three years, around 30% of the referrals received by our Belgian network came from Engel & Völkers offices outside Belgium. In practice, someone planning a move to Brussels, Ghent or Namur first speaks to an advisor in their home country, who then puts them in touch with us.

Spain, Germany, Dubai… where are international buyers coming from?

The referrals come from a wide range of markets. Spain, Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands were among the leading sources over the period. Others include Dubai, Portugal, Greece and Switzerland.

That mix reflects Belgium itself. On 1 January 2025, 37.2% of residents in the Brussels-Capital Region did not hold Belgian nationality, according to IBSA, the Brussels statistics institute. EU nationals make up 62.4% of them, and the French form the largest community, with more than 71,500 residents.

Why international buyers choose Belgium

• A central location: EU institutions, NATO and international headquarters, all within two hours of Paris, London, Amsterdam and Cologne.

• A stable market: in the first nine months of 2026, the average Belgian house sold for €360,613, up 3.0% on 2025 (Fednot). Steady growth, with no sign of overheating.

• A thriving prime segment: 2,079 homes sold for over €1 million in Belgium in 2025, a record.

• An open framework: there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Belgium, resident or not. Taxes do vary by region and personal situation.

Moving to Belgium? How to buy with confidence

Settling in a new country means learning its rules. In Belgium, the notary plays a central role, registration duties differ between Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, and every neighbourhood has a character of its own.

Our advice: start with your local Engel & Völkers advisor, wherever you live now. They pass your brief on to our Belgian team, who take it from there, choosing the right area, finding homes near international 

Read our guide to buying property in Belgium as an expat.

Selling? Why international demand matters

If 30% of demand comes from abroad, a property marketed only locally is missing part of its potential audience. With Engel & Völkers, your home is seen beyond Belgium, by qualified buyers referred by our colleagues abroad.

For exceptional properties, we also offer discreet, off-market sales, away from public portals. Your home is presented only to the right people.

70%: the strength of a local network

International reach doesn't replace local roots; it builds on them. The remaining 70% of referrals are passed between our Belgian offices. A buyer searching in Uccle can be introduced by a colleague in Antwerp; a seller in Namur can find their buyer through a Brussels office.

Let's talk about your next move

Planning a move to Belgium or thinking of selling? Contact Engel & Völkers for a valuation or a no-obligation first conversation.