Energy renovation for rental property: grants and support
Grants and support measures for energy renovation of rental properties in Belgium.
Overview of energy renovation aids
Landlords in Belgium benefit from numerous aids to improve the energy performance of their properties. These aids fall into three categories:
| Type of aid | Source | Can be combined |
|---|---|---|
| Renovation grants | Regions | Yes (between types of works) |
| Tax deductions | Federal | Yes (with grants) |
| Reduced-rate loans | Regions / banks | Yes (with grants and deductions) |
The stakes are high: minimum EPC scores impose progressive works, and rent indexation is conditional on the score. Aids can cover 30 to 70 % of works cost depending on the region and the applicant’s income.
Brussels grants: Renolution
The Renolution programme merges former energy and renovation grants. Amounts depend on the applicant’s income (3 categories) and the type of works.
| Works | Cat. 1 (low income) | Cat. 2 (medium) | Cat. 3 (high) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof insulation | EUR 50/sqm | EUR 35/sqm | EUR 20/sqm |
| Wall insulation | EUR 65/sqm | EUR 40/sqm | EUR 25/sqm |
| HR glazing | EUR 90/sqm | EUR 60/sqm | EUR 30/sqm |
| Heat pump | EUR 6,000 | EUR 4,500 | EUR 3,000 |
| Energy audit | EUR 900 | EUR 600 | EUR 400 |
Procedure: application before works via IRISbox. A preliminary energy audit is often required for major renovations. Consult our guide EPC in Brussels for details.
Wallonia grants: Habitation grants
Walloon Habitation grants cover insulation, heating and ventilation. A preliminary housing audit is mandatory for certain categories.
| Works | Base grant | Increased grant |
|---|---|---|
| Roof insulation | EUR 0.15/kWh saved | Up to EUR 6,000 |
| Wall insulation | EUR 0.15/kWh saved | Up to EUR 8,000 |
| Boiler replacement | EUR 1,000 - 3,000 | By type |
| Heat pump | EUR 2,000 - 6,000 | By type and income |
| HRV ventilation | EUR 1,500 - 3,000 | By type |
Wallonia also offers the Renopack, a zero-interest loan (up to EUR 60,000) to finance energy renovation works. This loan can be combined with grants.
For more details, consult our guide EPC in Wallonia.
Flanders grants: Mijn VerbouwPremie
The Mijn VerbouwPremie programme offers post-works grants, on presentation of invoices.
| Works | Cat. 1 | Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof insulation | EUR 8/sqm | EUR 6/sqm | EUR 4/sqm |
| Wall insulation | EUR 8/sqm | EUR 6/sqm | EUR 4/sqm |
| HR glazing | EUR 50/sqm | EUR 35/sqm | EUR 15/sqm |
| Heat pump | EUR 5,250 | EUR 3,750 | EUR 2,250 |
Procedure: application after works via the Fluvius portal, within 24 months. Landlords have the same rights as owner-occupiers.
Flanders also offers the Mijn VerbouwLening, a reduced-rate loan for energy renovation. Consult the guide EPC in Flanders for details.
Federal tax advantages
At federal level, landlords benefit from:
| Advantage | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance flat-rate | Flat-rate deduction on rental income | 40 % of gross rent (capped) |
| Mortgage interest deduction | Mortgage interest | Actual amount |
| Property tax reduction | If major renovation | Variable by region |
The 40 % flat-rate notionally covers maintenance and renovation expenses, without supporting documents. It is an automatic advantage for every landlord.
Optimal financing strategy
To maximise the return on investment of your energy renovation:
- Start with the audit. The energy audit identifies priority works and their EPC score impact. It is partially subsidised in all three regions.
- Apply for grants first. Respect each region’s deadlines (before works in Brussels, after in Flanders). Do not start works without checking the conditions.
- Combine aids. Regional grants + tax deductions + reduced-rate loan = optimised financing.
- Plan in stages. Spread works over 2-3 years to stagger the investment and maximise annual grants.
Centralise your invoices, grant certificates and EPC certificates in a rental management software for complete tracking of your energy investments.