Insights

Numbers and insights in the real estate market.

New build barometer shows significant local differences in price evolution over the past legislative term, with extremes ranging from -9% to +80%

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Press release: Flemish new-build houses more than 10 square meters larger compared to five years ago

The median surface area of new-build houses in Flanders has increased by more than 10 square meters over the past five years. Meanwhile, the surface area of new-build apartments has hardly changed. The prices of Belgian new-build houses and apartments continued to rise steadily in the second quarter of 2024.

Press release: the new construction market returns to trend of long-term growth in 2024

The prices of new houses and apartments rose in the first quarter of 2024. House prices thus continue their long-term growth after a brief period of relative stabilization in 2023. The increase is mainly driven by Flanders, while prices in Brussels and Wallonia rose less sharply.

Real estate study by Realo, CFP Green Buildings, and ING: Bargains to be found in the renovation market

There is a great opportunity in the renovation market. An analysis by Realo, CFP Green Buildings, and ING Belgium shows that families who invest in an energy-intensive property in the long term often do better than those who buy an expensive, energy-efficient home.

Realo annual report 2023

2023 became the year in which the trends of 2022 were confirmed. Prices hardly increased and energy efficiency became a determining factor in price determination.

Immoweb acquires Realo

Immoweb, Belgium's largest online real estate site and a subsidiary of the AVIV group, announces today the acquisition of Realo, also a player in the Proptech field. This strategic acquisition combines Immoweb's leading position with Realo's powerful real estate data platform, thereby offering a more comprehensive value proposition.

Prices in the Belgian new construction market reach a ceiling in 2023

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the prices of new real estate properties in Belgium stabilized. This marks a temporary end to several years of price increases in the new construction market, which have been occurring at a faster pace than in the secondary market.

Renovation market in Antwerp sees unprecedented growth

The Gazet van Antwerpen reports that in five years, the number of renovation requests in the province of Antwerp has increased by 59%. Based on figures from Realo, the newspaper sees a significant role for the declining value of energy-consuming houses.

Are Flemish energy scores manipulated for a better EPC label?

Following the 'Factcheckers' report on the Flemish broadcast channel VRT about the approach of some energy experts, Realo, in collaboration with the newspaper De Tijd, investigated whether there are systematic problems in the EPC scores assigned to Flemish houses.

Flemish energy-consuming houses decrease in value

According to analyses by Realo, conducted at the request of De Tijd, the newspaper reports that the energy label is playing an increasingly important role in the valuation of houses.

Press release: Persistent price increases for new builds confirm that the Belgian housing market is moving at two speeds

In the third quarter of 2023, the prices of newly built real estate in Belgium continued to rise, despite ongoing indications of a cooling in the overall property market. The differing trends between the regions continue. Especially in the segment of new-build houses, Flanders and Wallonia are drifting apart.

Press release: Building land more than a quarter more expensive since 2019

Building land prices in Belgium have increased by 27% since 2019, reaching 180 euros per square meter, mainly due to exceptional price hikes in 2020 and 2021. Significant differences still exist between the regions. Analyses from the real estate data platform Realo provide new insights into the price evolution of building land in Belgium, as no data is available after 2014.

Press release: Price increases for the first time in a year

Real estate in Belgium became slightly more expensive in the second quarter of 2023: house prices rose by 1.12%, and apartment prices by 1.23%. This is noteworthy, as the last time prices rose this much dates back to mid-2022.

Press release: New-build prices continue to rise steadily in Flanders and Wallonia

The prices of residential new-build properties in Belgium, including houses and apartments, continue to increase in the second quarter of 2023. Particularly noteworthy is the price increase of new-build apartments in Wallonia, following a slight decline in the first quarter. This is shown by the New-Build Index, an initiative by neighbourhood developer Matexi and real estate data platform Realo.

Press release: Antwerp most attractive to invest, Gent or Leuven do not pay off

For those looking to invest in real estate in Flanders, it seems that the central and eastern regions are more promising. Thanks to a unique approach, an objective gross rental yield can now be calculated for the entire Flanders region.

Press release: New-build prices continue to rise in Flanders and slightly decline for Wallonia

The prices of residential new construction properties in Belgium, including houses and apartments, continue to rise in the first quarter of 2023. However, regional differences are emerging, as revealed by an analysis of the Nieuwbouwbarometer, an initiative of neighborhood developer Matexi and real estate data platform Realo.

Press Release: Matexi and Realo increase insight into Belgian real estate market with launch of Nieuwbouwbarometer

Neighbourhood developer Matexi and real estate data platform Realo are launching an important addition to the current landscape of indicators on the Belgian real estate market with the New-Build Barometer.

Press release: Prices of apartments in Limburg are falling faster than anywhere in Flanders

The average price of an apartment in Limburg decreased by 1.84% in the last quarter of 2022. The price drop in Limburg is notably stronger than in the other Flemish provinces. Hasselt strengthened its position as the most expensive city in Limburg in 2022.

Press Release: Real estate market cools down at the coast after the post-COVID rush

Apartments on the coast are no longer getting more expensive. In the last quarter of 2022, the average price of an apartment in coastal municipalities decreased by 0.67 percent. The exception is Knokke-Heist, where apartment prices are still on the rise. However, even there, the market cooled off significantly at the end of last year.

Your province in numbers

Read here about all the latest trends in real estate prices for houses and apartments in your province and locality.

A brief guide to real estate barometers

Only last week we heard that the real estate market has cooled down, today we read that the market has only cooled down ‘slightly’. One day prices have risen with 5%, the other with 8%. What is going on?

Realo annual report 2022: the Belgian real estate market in turbulence

This report aims to provide clarity on two issues that have been fiercely debated throughout 2022. First, can we finally talk about a cooling down of the market? And second, what impact has the energy crisis had on property prices?

Energy-guzzling houses getting more expensive in Flanders

Earlier, we reported that house prices in Belgium have been on an upward trend for some time now. Here we take a closer look at the current state of affairs and focus specifically on the changing impact of EPC value on house prices. Especially in Flanders, prices of the least energy-efficient houses appear to be rising more sharply.

Temperature rises again in housing market

Contrary to recent reports, our figures suggest that the cooling of the housing market would only be a temporary phenomenon and that the end of an overheated property market is not yet in sight.

Press release: Citizens of Antwerp appreciate a patch of green, but not always

Research by the University of Antwerp in collaboration with real estate data platform Realo shows that the closer a property is to natural greenery in Antwerp, the higher the market price. Remarkably, proximity to a large park does not appear to make a difference, while smaller parks drive up the price.

Rents rise sharply in second quarter

After a long period of reasonable stability on the Belgian rental market, rents now seem to be finally succumbing to the pressure of inflation. Houses became 6% more expensive to rent in the second quarter of 2022 and flats 2.3%.

Analysis: Belgian homes are old and energy inefficient

The European Commission wants all buildings in Europe to be climate neutral by 2050. Despite the ambitious targets set by the various regions in Belgium, the majority of homes in Belgium remain old and far from the energy efficiency targets.

Improving EPC does not always bring (the same) return

An energy-efficient house generally costs more. However, using simulations, we show that for houses, improving the EPC score does not add value beyond label B. For flats, on the other hand, there are only gains to be made with the best EPC scores.

Smart Estimates: How does it work and how can you use it?

Discover how Realo Estimate® uses artificial intelligence to provide an accurate property valuation in just 15 minutes. Learn how this technology, combined with the expertise of a certified estate agent, assists you in determining the correct value and navigating the challenging property market.

Rental market temporarily escapes inflation spectre

For the first time since 2019, rental prices in Belgium are rising less quickly than inflation. This is evident from the latest analyses of rental prices in Belgium by Realo.

Limburg the cheapest, but for how long?

The latest price index from Realo shows that Limburg is the cheapest province in Flanders. Both for houses and flats, the province has been the cheapest for years, but according to the latest numbers, house prices in Limburg are gradually

First indications of housing market cooling

Discover how the Belgian real estate market is cooling down after a turbulent period. In this in-depth article, we analyze trends, prices, and regional differences to paint a clear picture of the current situation. Get informed about the best bargains and the most expensive regions, and find out how inflation and interest rates are influencing the market.

Sell your house faster and for a higher price: The best time to sell

Looking for the best time to sell your home? Realo has discovered the best month to put your house up for sale by analysing historical sales data. Find out when houses sell more quickly and for a higher price, and discover why spring could be the ideal time to put your house on the market. Read on for all the results and discover when is the best time to sell your house.

50% of Realo Seller Leads result in property sales: How estate agents benefit

Discover how 50% of Realo's Seller Leads result in property sales within 18 months. With a potential transaction value of over a billion euros in 2021, these sales leads offer estate agents the opportunity to tap into selling intentions. Learn how the improved quality and growing popularity of Realo Seller Leads provide opportunities for both existing and new partners in the property sector.

White paper: The Realo Estimate® for the new EBA guidelines on loan origination and monitoring

White paper discussing how the Realo Valuation Engine follows all EBA guidelines for loan origination and monitoring.