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How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Belgium?
The cost of an apartment renovation mainly depends on three elements:
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The type of renovation (light, intermediate, or heavy)
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The size of the property
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The complexity of the work and the materials chosen
Average price by type of renovation
| Type of renovation | Description of work | Average price per m² including VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Light renovation | Painting, flooring, minor electrical work, and decoration | 250 € to 500 €/m² |
| Intermediate renovation | Bathroom, kitchen, partitioning, changing openings, partial electricity | 500 € to 900 €/m² |
| Heavy renovation | Complete redistribution, insulation, heating, full electricity, plumbing, carpentry | 900 € to 1,500 €/m² |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the location, accessibility of the site, quality of materials, or condominium constraints.
Examples of overall budget based on size
Here are some average estimates to give you a more concrete idea of the budget to plan:
| Apartment size | Light renovation | Intermediate renovation | Heavy renovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 m² (studio) | 7,500 € – 15,000 € | 15,000 € – 27,000 € | 27,000 € – 45,000 € |
| 50 m² | 12,500 € – 25,000 € | 25,000 € – 45,000 € | 45,000 € – 75,000 € |
| 75 m² | 18,750 € – 37,500 € | 37,500 € – 67,500 € | 67,500 € – 112,500 € |
| 100 m² | 25,000 € – 50,000 € | 50,000 € – 90,000 € | 90,000 € – 150,000 € |
These ranges include labor and supplies for complete services provided by a general contractor like Avenir Rénovations. They do not take into account financial aid, which we will detail later in this guide.
What are the main expense items in an apartment renovation?
Before detailing each type of work (which we will do in the next section), note that certain elements are particularly significant in the final budget:
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Insulation work (often required to achieve a good energy performance certificate)
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Electrical upgrades
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Renovation of the bathroom and kitchen
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Work related to condominium (technical shafts, acoustic standards, etc.)
Avenir Rénovations Belgium helps you prioritize and stabilize a realistic budget through personalized support, from diagnosis to turnkey delivery.
What are the main work items in an apartment renovation?
Renovating an apartment involves many steps. Each technical item represents a significant part of the total budget, and it is crucial to estimate them accurately to avoid unpleasant surprises. Below, you will find an overview of the most common works, with realistic price ranges in Belgium.
Apartment renovation price by area
The total area to be renovated remains one of the most telling indicators for establishing a global budget. However, the price per square meter often decreases slightly as the area increases, due to economies of scale on labor and certain materials.
Renovation price by typical area
| Apartment area | Light renovation (€) | Intermediate renovation (€) | Heavy renovation (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (20-30 m²) | 5,000 – 12,000 € | 12,000 – 20,000 € | 20,000 – 30,000 € |
| 2 rooms (40-50 m²) | 10,000 – 25,000 € | 25,000 – 40,000 € | 40,000 – 65,000 € |
| 3 rooms (60-70 m²) | 15,000 – 35,000 € | 35,000 – 55,000 € | 55,000 – 90,000 € |
| 4 rooms (80-90 m²) | 20,000 – 45,000 € | 45,000 – 70,000 € | 70,000 – 115,000 € |
| Large apartment (100 m² and +) | 25,000 – 50,000 € | 50,000 – 90,000 € | 90,000 – 150,000 € |
These estimates include common work items (light structural work, insulation, coverings, kitchen, bathroom) and are inclusive of VAT for work carried out by a professional company like Avenir Rénovations Belgium.
What factors influence the price of an apartment renovation in Belgium?
The cost of renovating the same apartment can vary significantly based on several criteria. Here are the main elements to consider:
The initial condition of the property
The older an apartment is, the more extensive and costly the necessary interventions will be:
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Damaged or damp walls
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Obsolete or dangerous electrical systems
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Lead or poorly maintained plumbing
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Non-existent or completely redone insulation
Tip: When purchasing, always set aside a separate budget for these technical unforeseen expenses, especially if you are renovating a property from the 1950s to 1980s.
The location of the apartment
Labor and material costs vary from region to region in Belgium:
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In Brussels, prices are generally 10 to 20% higher than in Wallonia.
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In certain Flemish cities (like Ghent or Antwerp), due to high demand, timelines and prices can also rise.
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In Wallonia, the cost of renovation remains more affordable, especially outside urban centers.
The accessibility of the site
Some logistical constraints can increase the total cost:
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Apartment located on a high floor without an elevator
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Strict co-ownership imposing specific hours and rules
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Difficult parking or lack of unloading area
This can impact the labor time, the cost of equipment rental, or the logistics of deliveries.
The quality level of materials
The choice of finishes and equipment greatly influences the price:
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Professional or eco-friendly paint, laminate or solid wood flooring
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Standard or custom washbasin furniture, designer or entry-level faucets
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IKEA kitchen or high-end cabinetry
The more you opt for custom or premium, the higher the renovation budget increases – often by 30 to 60% on certain items.
The complexity of the desired work
Some layout or technical choices require more time and expertise:
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Relocation of kitchen or bathroom (plumbing, drainage)
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Creation of a mezzanine, glass roof, or recessed niches
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Integration of home automation or home cinema
Summary table: impact of variation factors
| Factor | Impact on renovation budget | Level of influence |
|---|---|---|
| Initial condition of the property | Unforeseen work, bringing up to standards | ★★★★☆ |
| Regional location | Labor and material rates | ★★★☆☆ |
| Site accessibility | Logistical and handling costs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Quality of materials | Finishes, durability, aesthetics | ★★★★★ |
| Complexity of requests | Time on site and coordination | ★★★★☆ |
| Co-ownership | Regulatory constraints | ★★★☆☆ |
Can you benefit from assistance to renovate an apartment in Belgium?
Yes. In Belgium, numerous public aids and tax benefits allow you to significantly reduce the cost of your renovation work. These measures vary by region (Wallonia, Brussels-Capital, Flanders) and depend on your situation (owner-occupier or landlord), the age of the building, as well as the objectives of the work (energy performance, compliance, housing adaptation…).
Renovation grants in Wallonia
The Walloon Region offers a structured grant system based on two axes:
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The Housing Grant, for general renovation
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Energy Grants, for work improving the energy performance of the housing
| Type of eligible work | Grant amount (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Wall, roof, floor insulation | Up to 50 €/m² (depending on income) |
| Window frame replacement | Up to 90 €/m² |
| High-performance heating (boiler, heat pump) | Up to 1,200 € |
| Electrical or plumbing renovation | Up to 1,500 € |
| Adaptation work (PRM) | Up to 5,000 € |
These amounts are increased for households with modest incomes. The work must be carried out by a registered contractor, such as Avenir Rénovations franchise companies.
Assistance in Brussels-Capital
Brussels also offers specific renovation grants:
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Insulation, glazing, ventilation, heating, etc.
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The amount depends on the household income, the renovated area, and the neighborhood concerned.
| Example of Brussels aid | Indicative grant |
|---|---|
| Interior wall insulation | Up to 75 €/m² |
| Installation of double-flow VMC | Up to 1,200 € |
| Replacement of condensing gas boiler | 800 to 1,200 € |
A housing audit may be necessary for certain grants.
Reduced VAT rate of 6%
In Belgium, the normal VAT rate is 21%, but you can benefit from a reduced rate of 6% if:
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The building is over 10 years old
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You are a property owner or tenant-occupier
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The work is carried out by an approved company
This applies to many items: insulation, heating, sanitary facilities, fitted kitchens, painting, coverings, etc.
Avenir Rénovations Belgium applies this reduced rate when eligible, allowing for a reduction of up to 15% on the total amount including tax.
Other useful measures
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Low-interest loan or eco-loan: offered in certain municipalities or by banking partners in addition to grants.
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PEB certificates: mandatory when selling or renting. PEB improvements can increase the property's value.
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Municipal aids: some Walloon or Brussels cities add specific aids (facade renovation, greening, etc.).
Why choose Avenir Rénovations Belgium for your apartment renovations?
Renovating an apartment, especially in a co-ownership, requires perfect coordination of trades, short deadlines, and strict adherence to technical and administrative standards. Avenir Rénovations Belgium offers you professional and turnkey support, with complete transparency.
A single point of contact for a controlled project
Thanks to our general building contractor model, we coordinate:
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All trades (plumber, electrician, tiler, carpenter…)
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Administrative procedures in co-ownership
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Planning, site monitoring, and quality control
All our franchised companies are insured for ten years, locally established, and equipped with qualified in-house teams.
Transparent pricing and a free estimate
Before any commitment, we provide you with:
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An immediate estimate using our online price simulator
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A detailed and personalized quote after a technical visit
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Optimization advice to integrate available aids
Try our simulator to estimate the price of your apartment renovation
To help you visualize your project, Avenir Rénovations Belgium has developed a unique tool: a free online simulator. In just a few clicks, you get a personalized estimate for your project.
How does our simulator work?
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Enter the characteristics of your apartment: area, number of rooms, type of desired work
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Choose the finish level: standard, intermediate, or high-end
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Get an instant estimate: total price, details by item, tailored advice
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Request a free appointment with the nearest local agency
The advantages of the Avenir Rénovations Belgium simulator
| Feature | Customer Benefit |
|---|---|
| Intuitive interface | Easy to use, no mandatory registration |
| Immediate online quote | First budget idea in a few minutes |
| Personalized report | PDF export available, useful for your bank |
| Appointment with a local expert | Advice, planning, final quote |
Renovating an apartment in Belgium is an engaging project, but with a good estimate and quality support, it becomes a real opportunity for enhancement. Public aids, the reduced VAT rate, and the services of a general contractor like Avenir Rénovations Belgium allow you to carry out your work with peace of mind, in compliance with standards, budget, and deadlines.
Use our simulator now to get a first free estimate, then get support from one of our local experts.
FAQ – Apartment renovation prices in Belgium
What is the average price to renovate an apartment in Belgium?
The average price for an apartment renovation in Belgium ranges between 500 € and 1,200 € per m², depending on the desired level of renovation (light, intermediate, or heavy). For a 70 m² apartment, the budget can thus vary from 35,000 € to over 80,000 €.
How to estimate the cost of works in an apartment?
The most reliable method is to use an online price simulator, such as the one from Avenir Rénovations Belgium, and then to obtain a detailed quote after a technical visit. The cost depends on the area, materials, condition of the property, and complexity of the works.
Are there any aids for apartment renovation?
Yes. The Habitation grants in Wallonia, the energy grants in Brussels, and the reduced VAT rates at 6% are all measures to reduce your bill. Some municipalities also offer specific aids. Partner companies of Avenir Rénovations help you to mobilize them.
What VAT rate applies to renovation works?
If your apartment is over 10 years old and the works are carried out by a certified professional, you benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 6%. This rate applies to most services, excluding furniture.
How much does it cost to renovate a 30 m² studio?
For a 30 m² studio, expect:
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8,000 to 15,000 € for a light renovation
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15,000 to 25,000 € for an intermediate renovation
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25,000 to 40,000 € for a heavy renovation
Should I hire an architect to renovate an apartment?
In Belgium, hiring an architect is mandatory if you modify the structure of the building, the facade, or change the use of the property. For an interior renovation without structural impact, a general contractor like Avenir Rénovations can handle the project without an architect.
How long does a complete apartment renovation take?
The average duration of an apartment renovation ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the extent of the works, coordination of trades, and any co-ownership constraints.
