Mandatory housing audit: are you affected by the 2025 reform?

Mandatory housing audit: are you affected by the 2025 reform?

In Belgium, energy renovation is now at the heart of regional policies. To better regulate the work and guide homeowners towards effective improvements, the housing audit becomes an essential step in many cases. In 2025, legislation will evolve: new audiences will be affected, the conditions for granting subsidies will change, and requirements will be strengthened. Should you carry out a housing audit? Is it mandatory in your case? How can you prepare effectively? Here’s everything you need to know, with the support of Avenir Rénovations.

What is a housing audit in Belgium?

The housing audit is a comprehensive assessment of the condition of a residential building. Conducted by a certified auditor, it aims to:

  • Provide a state of energy and technical condition of the property;
  • Identify the priority works to be carried out;
  • Propose a structured renovation scenario, often in several phases;
  • Grant access to certain regional subsidies conditional on its completion.

The audit particularly focuses on insulation (roof, walls, floors), exterior joinery, heating and ventilation systems, and the overall energy performance of the building.

Why is it becoming increasingly essential in 2025?

1. Access to aid conditioned on the audit

In the three Regions of the country, access to the main financial aids for renovation is now subject to the prior completion of a housing audit.

In Wallonia:

The audit is mandatory to benefit from the Housing Grant, except for a few small works (e.g., replacement of insulating glazing). It serves as the starting point for the renovation process regulated by the Region.

In Brussels:

Even though the audit is not systematically imposed, it is strongly recommended to structure a comprehensive project and benefit from the most advantageous Renolution grants.

In Flanders:

The energy renovation score (REN-score) introduced in 2025 requires a thorough technical analysis, often equated with an audit, to access increases in the Mijn VerbouwPremie grant.

2. Key tool to achieve PEB objectives

Regional authorities want to accelerate the improvement of the PEB certificate (Energy Performance of Buildings). The housing audit provides a clear roadmap to achieve a more favorable PEB class within the given deadlines, especially in cases of:

  • Sale or purchase of a property with a low PEB;
  • Rental of energy-intensive housing;
  • Renovation obligations in certain pilot municipalities.
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Who is affected by the housing audit obligation in 2025?

In 2025, the audit becomes mandatory or recommended in the following cases:

Owner's situation

Housing audit obligation?

Request for grants in Wallonia Yes, mandatory
Purchase of a property with poor energy performance certificate (Flanders) Yes, within 5 years
Rental of a low-performing housing unit Recommended or even required
Comprehensive renovation project (all regions) Strongly recommended
Occasional work without public aid Not mandatory

Good to know: In Wallonia, the audit remains valid for 7 years. It can be used to phase the work and apply for several successive grants.

How does a housing audit take place?

The audit takes place in several stages:

  1. Visit of the housing unit by a certified auditor
    • Technical assessments (insulation, installations, ventilation)
    • Measurements and photos
    • Discussions with the owner about needs
  2. Preparation of an audit report
    • Overall diagnosis of the housing unit
    • Personalized recommendations
    • Step-by-step renovation scenario (technical and budgetary)
  3. Delivery of the report
    • The report can then be used to submit grant applications.

Cost of a housing audit:

  • In Wallonia: between 700 and 900 € on average (partially reimbursed through the audit grant).
  • In Brussels and Flanders: prices vary according to the size of the property, the number of units, and the required skills.

The housing audit: a strategic lever for smart renovation

Conducting an audit is not just a formality: it is an effective planning tool. It allows you to:

  • Prioritize work items based on their energy efficiency;
  • Avoid costly mistakes (e.g., poor ventilation after insulation);
  • Access better-targeted financing through a comprehensive view.

In this sense, the audit becomes a technical and financial assurance for Belgian homeowners wishing to renovate methodically.

Avenir Rénovations supports you at every step

At Avenir Rénovations, we know that the renovation journey can seem complex. That’s why we offer comprehensive and tailored support:

  • Connecting you with a certified auditor in your area;
  • Analyzing the audit report to derive a suitable action plan;
  • Prioritizing the work based on technical and budgetary priorities;
  • Preparing the grant application file based on recommendations;
  • Carrying out the work by certified craftsmen, all managed by your unique Project Manager.

We adapt our support to the specific requirements of each region.

Conclusion

By 2025, the housing audit will be a key step for smart renovation, accessing public aid, and ensuring effective renovation in the long term. Whether you want to improve the comfort of your home, reduce your bills, or enhance your property, it is a strategic tool not to be overlooked.

With Avenir Rénovations, you benefit from personalized support, a network of certified experts, and complete management of your project, from the audit to the completed site.

Want to clarify and structure your renovation right now?
Request your personalized quote, and let your Project Manager guide you through all the steps, including the housing audit.