- 5 min read
Why sell your home in autumn? Four reasons to act from October
Many homeowners think they should wait until spring. Yet October brings together several conditions that favour a well-run sale, in Brussels as well as in the two Brabants. Here is why autumn is a strategic season to sell your property.
1. The market is holding: there is no reason to wait
The figures for the first half of 2026 show a solid market. In Brussels, the average price of a house reaches €611,873 (+5.2%) and that of an apartment €299,501 (+1.0%). In Walloon Brabant, house prices are up 3% (€471,945). In Flemish Brabant, the most expensive province in Flanders, the average house price reaches €449,820 (+2.9%), and home sales rose by 3.4% year on year in the second quarter.
Nothing at this stage points to a general fall in prices. However, buyers have more choices and compare more. Waiting therefore offers no particular advantage: what matters is the right positioning from the moment the property goes on the market.
2. In autumn, a property’s true character shows
As the days grow shorter, golden light warms the spaces. You immediately sense the warmth of the rooms, the comfort of a living room on a rainy afternoon, the atmosphere of a home in which you can picture yourself. Autumn is a season of truth: a well-prepared property has nothing to hide.
Showcasing your property means preparing for these moments: a living area that is bright even in grey weather, warm lighting, a welcoming entrance, and a garden or terrace presented as an extension of the interior.
This is where professional support makes the difference. At Engel & Völkers, our advisors identify your property’s strengths, stage it with care (premium presentation, professional photography) and bring it to the attention of the right buyers through targeted marketing and our international network.
3. The back-to-school buyers are back
September and October mark the return of projects: job transfers, the new school year, fresh starts. In a context of higher borrowing rates, active buyers have generally refined their budget and borrowing capacity before viewing. They are serious, but also better informed: they compare, estimate renovation costs and negotiate if the price does not match the reality of the property. A carefully presented and positioned property holds their attention.
4. A year-end calendar that sets the pace
October leaves about twelve weeks before 2027, and several rules are changing depending on the region:
In Flanders: the reduced registration duty rate on a sole and own home could rise from 2% to 3% for sales agreements signed from January 1st 2027, which is €3,500 more on a €350,000 property. The measure has been announced but still has to be adopted, and the date of the sales agreement would be decisive. It may encourage some buyers to bring their plans forward, though no effect on prices is guaranteed.
In Wallonia: since September 1st, every new EPC (energy performance) certificate includes an indicative renovation pathway towards label A, and renovation grants are shifting towards a loan-based system. Buyers can more easily identify the renovation budget and factor it into negotiations.
In Flanders, on energy: a buyer of a home with an EPC label of E or F must reach at least label D within 6 years.
For a seller, anticipating these factors (an up-to-date certificate, documented works, a realistic valuation) makes it possible to regain control over the price. Launching your sale in October leaves time to prepare, hold viewings and negotiate with peace of mind.
What this concretely means for you, the seller
Facing prepared buyers who compare and run the numbers, three things make the difference. The first is a realistic asking price: an overpriced property risks viewings that go nowhere and tougher negotiations. The second is a file that is ready from the first viewing: an up-to-date energy certificate, completed works, maintenance invoices, service charges. A buyer who calculates precisely needs to be able to do so quickly. The third is a presentation that helps buyers picture themselves in the home: a well-orchestrated viewing, in the autumn light, holds the attention of buyers who are comparing.
To help you prepare the second point, we have put together a checklist of all the documents to gather before putting your property on the market.Download the checklist and keep all the cards in your hand from the very first viewing.
October gives you time to bring these three elements together without rushing. Knowing the real value of your property has never been more important: request your confidential valuation from our Engel & Völkers advisors.
And if you are a buyer?
In the current market, method beats haste. Have your borrowing capacity confirmed before your first viewings, include the cost of works in your overall budget, and check your timeline with your notary before signing, particularly in Flanders, where an increase in registration duties has been announced for 2027 (subject to adoption).
The market offers more choice than two years ago, but quality properties that are correctly positioned continue to attract sustained demand. Discover our properties or talk to our Engel & Völkers advisors to prepare your project.
