Renovating a property in Belgium: How does it work?

While VAT on materials and services for domestic renovations is typically about 21%, there is a 6% rate for properties aged 15 years or older. Householders can get subsidies for construction, renovation and insulation, and for more specialised work.

They range from 30 to 70% of the cost in a special development area or a local neighbourhood contract area. Outside those areas, households earning more than €60,000 a year are not eligible for any subsidy. There are also lump-sum supplements for couples under 35 and for those with children and other dependants.

Subsidies are also available for householders who want to implement energy-saving measures, from having an expert audit carried out, to ground, wall and roof insulation and turning your house into a low-energy or even passive dwelling. Subsidies also cover glazing, ventilation, heating and renewable energy works.

The Brussels environment agency Bruxelles Environnement/ Leefmilieu Brussel has teamed up with cooperative credit institution Credal to offer the interest-free Social Green Loan, which provides low-income families with the means to carry out energy-saving work.