Belgian Mortgages

Belgium holds a special position within the European property market. As home to major international institutions, including the European Union and NATO, the country offers a stable economic and political foundation. The real estate markets in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent are well-regulated and considered reliable. While Brussels is shaped by international professionals, cities like Antwerp and Bruges attract investors seeking long-term value appreciation.

Brussels, as the seat of the European Union, is characterized by consistent housing demand from professionals and diplomats. Antwerp and Ghent show strong residential and commercial development, while coastal regions such as Knokke-Heist or Ostend attract buyers looking for premium locations and second homes. Belgium’s economy is diversified across industry and services and benefits from the country’s high creditworthiness.

Belgium in the European Context

Belgium occupies a central role between Europe’s major economic regions of Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The country benefits from its strategic location, political stability, and a well-regulated financial system that provides reliability for both private and institutional investors.

The property markets in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent are defined by steady demand and balanced pricing. Brussels benefits from the presence of European institutions and multinational corporations, creating ongoing housing needs. Antwerp, as a logistics and port hub, attracts a diverse mix of buyers, while Ghent is increasingly driven by technology, education, and research institutions.

Compared to its neighboring countries, Belgium’s market is less speculative and more long-term oriented. Domestic capital remains dominant, but international investment—particularly from Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—has been steadily increasing.

Buying Property in Belgium

There are no legal restrictions preventing foreign tax residents from purchasing property in Belgium. Buyers may acquire real estate either personally or through company structures. A Belgian tax number is required to register the purchase and pay property taxes correctly. Buyers should expect a formal, transparent, and notary-supervised process. Every transaction is handled by a Belgian notary, who conducts due diligence, verifies title, and oversees the transfer of ownership.

Belgium consists of three linguistic regions—Flemish, French, and German-speaking—which can lead to regional differences in administrative and tax procedures. Transfer taxes and registration fees vary slightly between Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels Capital Region.

The buying process generally begins with a preliminary agreement (“compromis de vente”), followed by a financing confirmation period. The final notarial deed (“acte authentique”) is signed after financing approval. Ownership is usually transferred within four months of signing the preliminary contract. The notary manages payment of the purchase price through an escrow account and registers the new owner in the land registry (“Bureau de la Sécurité juridique”). For foreign buyers, it is important to note that transaction costs and tax obligations differ by region.

Financing in Belgium

Real estate financing in Belgium follows a conservative yet stable lending approach. Banks carefully assess income, assets, and credit history before approving loans. Foreign tax residents can obtain mortgages but are often required to provide higher equity contributions, particularly for secondary or investment properties.

Belgian loans are characterized by long-term predictability, and property valuations by certified appraisers determine the maximum loan-to-value ratio. Funds are usually disbursed only after the notarial deed has been signed and ownership has been transferred. A key advantage of the Belgian system is its legal transparency. Mortgage and ownership rights are clearly documented in the land registry, and notaries ensure full compliance with all requirements. For investors, mortgage interest may be deductible against rental income generated within Belgium, as only domestic rental income is taxable.

In addition, cross-border financing may be possible in certain regions. Banks in border areas, such as Aachen–Liège, Maastricht–Hasselt, Luxembourg–Arlon, or Lille–Tournai, may consider applicants who live or work in neighboring countries but purchase property in Belgium. These cases are assessed individually and require a clear presentation of income, tax residency, and employment verification. The property in Belgium serves as collateral, while income from abroad is evaluated in euros. Transactions are executed under Belgian law by a local notary, who also manages the registration of the mortgage and title transfer.