- 5 min read
The Real Estate Market on the Belgian Coast: A Steady Sea in Shifting Times
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The Belgian coast remains one of the country’s most desirable real estate markets, offering a unique blend of lifestyle, investment potential, and natural beauty. It continues to draw the attention of buyers looking for a lifestyle upgrade, a second residence, or a long-term investment. In 2024, the market showed signs of stabilization after the steep cooldown seen in 2023.
Sales were down just 2.1% compared to the previous year, a modest drop following the nearly 20% decline in 2023. Coastal towns now represent close to 10% of total transactions in Flanders, with West-Vlaanderen still leading the activity. Local markets showed mixed dynamics: De Panne and Nieuwpoort saw significant increases in sales, while Zeebrugge and Middelkerke experienced noticeable slowdowns.
Prices, however, continued their upward trend. The average price for a coastal apartment reached €332,033—an increase of 4.3% year-on-year. Properties located directly on the dike performed even better, rising by 7.6% to an average of €427,165. In Knokke, beachfront apartments averaged over €1.4 million, making it the most exclusive coastal location. Over the past five years, dike apartments gained 31% in value, with a real (inflation-adjusted) increase of 9.7%.
The majority of buyers came from Flanders (88.5%), with a strong presence from West-Vlaanderen residents. A large share of buyers are aged between 50 and 60, often looking to invest for the long term or secure a holiday home for semi-retirement. Only 2.7% of transactions involved foreign buyers.
Apartments with more bedrooms continue to command a premium. A one-bedroom apartment on the coast averaged €203,760, while three-bedroom units approached €577,000.
New-build properties made up only 6.9% of sales in 2024, the lowest share in recent years. Still, the average price for a new-build apartment rose to €397,608, up 3.7% compared to 2023. This suggests continued demand for high-quality, modern housing despite a tighter supply.
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All in all, while the coastal market has cooled from the intense activity of recent years, it remains stable, resilient, and appealing to buyers who prioritize lifestyle and long-term value.
At Engel & Völkers, we are committed to guiding our clients through this evolving landscape with insight, clarity, and care—ensuring each transaction is as smooth as the sea on a calm day. We believe smart decisions begin with clear insight. Our teams across the coast provide expert guidance tailored to your needs, helping you make the most of every opportunity, whether you're buying, selling, or investing.