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Why a Property in Leuven Costs 21.8% More Than in Antwerp: The Power of Location
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At Engel & Völkers Leuven, we know better than anyone that location plays a decisive role in determining the value of a property. A recent study by data platform Realo, published in the Trends Real Estate Guide, confirms this in a striking way: a comparable home costs on average 21.8% more in Leuven than in Antwerp.
In practical terms, this means a price difference of more than €100,000 for a property with similar characteristics in terms of size, age, and energy efficiency. At first glance, this may seem surprising—especially given Antwerp’s scale and appeal as the largest city in Flanders. However, the price gap can be logically explained by what is referred to as the location effect.
What makes Leuven so attractive?
Leuven combines a compact urban structure with an exceptional offer of education, employment, healthcare, and culture. The presence of a world-renowned university and a strong knowledge-driven ecosystem attracts not only students, but also young families, researchers, and international professionals. Its proximity to Brussels, combined with excellent connectivity by rail and motorway, further enhances its appeal.
Leuven also offers a high quality of life, with a strong focus on green spaces, sustainability, low-traffic zones, and community-oriented urban development. These factors have driven demand for housing in and around Leuven to exceed supply for many years now. And like in any market: when demand is high and supply is limited, prices rise.
Location value: more than just a postcode
According to Professor Sven Damen, real estate economist at the University of Antwerp, the location effect allows us to quantify the added value of a specific municipality or city. If one were to hypothetically move an identical property from Antwerp to Leuven, its value would increase by nearly 22%. That says a lot about how the market perceives Leuven in terms of livability, amenities, and future potential.
For prospective buyers, it is therefore essential not to focus solely on the purchase price, but also on the long-term value of the location. Leuven continues to be a stable and highly sought-after market—even in more uncertain economic times.
What does this mean for you as a buyer or seller?
Are you the owner of a property in Leuven or considering a sale? Then you are in a particularly strong negotiating position. Looking to buy? It’s certainly worth exploring which neighbourhoods in or just outside Leuven still offer attractive opportunities—before further price increases take hold.
At Engel & Völkers Leuven, we are happy to guide you through every step—whether you want to sell your property at the right price or are seeking a solid long-term investment in a prime location.
Feel free to contact us for coffee and an open conversation.
