Why buy in Wallonia for your first property purchase ?

Wallonia attracts many buyers every year, including young couples, families, and investors. With prices often lower than in Flanders or Brussels, buying your first home in Wallonia is a smart decision to build up assets.

For example, the average price of a house in Walloon Brabant is currently around €325,000, while in Hainaut it is about €190,000 (source: Statbel 2025). These differences allow many households to buy a larger property or benefit from a garden for the same budget.

Steps to successfully purchase your first property

Determine your budget and borrowing capacity

Before you even start visiting properties, it’s essential to know how much you can borrow. Schedule a meeting with your bank or a mortgage broker to simulate your home loan and precisely determine your purchasing power.

It’s also important to anticipate the additional costs:

• registration duties, usually 12.5% in Wallonia,

• notary fees,

• home insurance,

• any renovation work.

For example, for a house priced at €220,000, you should budget approximately €30,000 to €35,000 for these extra costs.

Choose the location according to your lifestyle

Buying a property also means choosing a living environment for several years. Ask yourself the right questions:

• Are you willing to have a long commute?

• Do you want to be close to schools or shops?

• Do you need quick access to public transport?

A few points of reference:

• Walloon Brabant: close to Brussels, well-developed rail network, sought-after residential areas.

• Hainaut: attractive prices, spacious houses, dynamic cities like Mons or Charleroi.

• Namur and Liège: a compromise between city life and still affordable prices.

Visit efficiently and pay attention to details

When visiting properties, look beyond first impressions. Check in particular:

• the EPC (energy performance certificate),

• the condition of windows and the roof,

• electrical compliance,

• signs of dampness or cracks,

• the urban planning certificate...

Don’t hesitate to visit at different times of the day to observe the light and the neighborhood atmosphere.

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CheckListe

Make an offer and sign the preliminary sales agreement

When you find the right property, you’ll need to formalize an offer in writing, often through the real estate agent. Once accepted, signing the preliminary sales agreement (compromis de vente) makes the commitment official for both parties. This agreement has the same legal value as the final deed.

You will then typically have around four months to secure your mortgage and sign the final deed at the notary’s office.

It is perfectly possible to include suspensive conditions in your offer — we’ll discuss this in a future blog.

Available support for first-time buyers in Wallonia

There are several schemes to help you buy your first home in Wallonia, such as:

• Reduced registration duties, under conditions, down to 3% for a first purchase,

• Social loans through the Housing Fund or the Walloon Social Credit Society for more modest incomes,

• Renovation grants, which can be requested after the purchase to help lower the cost of works.

These aids can significantly reduce your final bill and are worth looking into even before signing the preliminary agreement.

Should you buy now or wait ?

Many first-time buyers wonder about this. Interest rates remain relatively attractive, even though they have slightly increased since 2023. In a context where property prices continue to rise, buying now can secure your project ahead of future price hikes.

Conclusion: prepare your first purchase to avoid pitfalls

Buying your first home in Wallonia is a major step that requires careful preparation. With a clearly defined budget, a location that suits your lifestyle, and extra vigilance during visits, you give yourself the best chances for a safe investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are notary fees in Wallonia ? Generally, expect between 3% and 12.5% of the property price, including registration duties, notary fees, and various costs.

Can you buy without a down payment ? It is sometimes possible to borrow the full purchase amount, but banks often require at least enough equity to cover the additional costs.

How long does it take to buy a house in Wallonia ? On average, from the first visit to signing the deed, it takes about four to six months.