In Belgium

Energy renovation is becoming increasingly important for Belgian landlords due to tightening regulations across all three Regions. The objective is to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions while improving tenant comfort.

Key works. Roof insulation (biggest impact), wall insulation (cavity or external), floor insulation, window replacement (double/triple glazing), heating system upgrade (heat pump, condensing boiler), solar panels, ventilation systems.

Regional incentives:

  • Brussels: energy premiums (primes Renolution) for insulation, heating and renewable energy
  • Flanders: Mijn VerbouwPremie for insulation and technical installations
  • Wallonia: primes habitation for energy works

Reduced VAT. Renovation works on dwellings over 10 years old benefit from 6% VAT instead of 21%.

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Good to know
In Brussels, a property rated E, F or G on the EPC cannot benefit from rent indexation. Energy renovation that improves the rating to D or better restores the right to indexation — potentially recovering the investment cost over a few years.

Practical example

Claire owns an apartment in Brussels rated G on the EPC. She invests 20,000 EUR in roof insulation and window replacement (at 6% VAT). The new EPC rates the property D. She obtains Brussels energy premiums of 5,000 EUR, reducing her net investment to 15,000 EUR. She recovers the right to indexation (worth approximately 400 EUR/year) and the property’s market value increases by approximately 25,000 EUR.

Key considerations

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Warning
In Flanders, rental properties will need a minimum EPC label E by 2025, D by 2028, and C by 2035. Properties that fail to meet these thresholds may face rental bans. Plan energy renovation well in advance to avoid being caught by deadlines.