In Belgium, renovation is set to become an essential solution for homeowners looking to improve their housing in 2026. Faced with rising real estate prices, evolving energy standards, and the aging of the Belgian property stock, many households are now choosing to renovate their homes rather than invest in new properties.
This trend is particularly visible in Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders, where a large portion of the housing was built before modern energy standards. These homes require renovation work to improve their energy performance, modernize their facilities, or optimize their interior layout.
In 2026, the most requested projects by Belgian homeowners are: energy renovation, complete house renovation, attic conversion, and bathroom renovation.
The renovation market in Belgium in 2026
The renovation market is experiencing significant growth in Belgium. Several factors explain this dynamic and are gradually transforming homeowners' habits.
An aging property stock in need of renovation
Belgium has a relatively old property stock. A large portion of homes was built before the 1980s, at a time when thermal insulation and energy performance requirements were much less strict than today.
These homes often have insulation defects or aging technical installations, leading to high energy consumption and insufficient comfort — especially in winter. Renovation work in Belgium allows for the modernization of these homes and improves their energy efficiency.
Increasingly stringent energy standards
The energy transition plays a major role in the increase of renovation projects. Belgian authorities strongly encourage homeowners to improve the energy performance of their homes.
PEB certificates, renovation grants, and regional policies incentivize many households to undertake work to reduce their energy consumption.
Renovation: an alternative to buying new
With rising real estate prices in several Belgian cities, buying an old property to renovate is becoming an increasingly adopted strategy. This approach allows for the acquisition of a home at an accessible price while renovating it according to one's needs. A well-executed renovation also increases the property's value on the real estate market.
1. Energy renovation: the top priority for Belgian homeowners in 2026
Energy renovation ranks at the top of the most requested work in Belgium in 2026. Homeowners primarily seek to reduce their energy bills and improve the thermal comfort of their homes.
The main works involved include:
- Roof insulation: one of the most profitable investments, as a large portion of heat loss occurs through the roof.
- Wall insulation: essential for limiting thermal losses.
- Window frame replacement: improves air tightness and reduces thermal bridges.
- Heating system replacement: heat pump, condensing boiler, or underfloor heating.
These improvements help reduce energy consumption, increase the property's value, and enhance the PEB certificate — a criterion that has become essential when selling or renting a home in Belgium.
2. Complete house renovation
Complete house renovation is one of the most common projects in Belgium. Many older homes require comprehensive modernization to meet current standards of comfort and energy efficiency.
A comprehensive renovation may include:
- Building insulation
- Reorganization of living spaces
- Modernization of the electrical installation
- Plumbing renovation
- Opening up spaces (open kitchen, expanded living room)
This type of project not only improves comfort but also significantly enhances the property's value. For investors, buying an old property, fully renovating it, and then selling or renting it out is an increasingly common strategy in Belgium.
3. Fit-out and transformation of attics
The transformation of attics is among the most requested works by Belgian homeowners in 2026. In many homes, the space under the roof remains underutilized despite its strong potential for fit-out.
By transforming attics into living space, it is possible to create:
- An additional bedroom
- An office or telecommuting space
- A master suite
This solution allows for an increase in living space without altering the footprint, which is particularly advantageous in urban areas where space is limited. Attic fit-out is also an excellent lever for increasing the property's real estate value.
4. Bathroom renovation
The renovation of bathrooms...
