Flanders housing and renovation policy shifts

The housing landscape in Flanders is experiencing shifts in both renovation incentives and rental availability.

Regarding energy efficiency, the Flemish government updated its ‘Mijn VerbouwPremie’ subsidy structure. As of March 2026, residents in the lowest income categories (1 and 2) are restricted to subsidies for heat pumps or heat pump boilers, losing eligibility for grants for insulation, windows, or doors. Residents in higher income categories (3 and 4) maintain access to grants covering 35 to 50 percent of invoice amounts. Additionally, the municipality of Hove provides supplementary local premiums for specific insulation and glazing works.

Simultaneously, the rental market is under pressure due to high demand and landlord disinvestment. The number of candidates per available property has increased significantly, reaching an average of 38 last year. A survey indicates that only 20 percent of private landlords intend to reinvest in rental real estate, with many preferring to sell rather than renovate. To address housing complexities, organizations like Dender-Zuid are providing assistance for residents navigating social housing registration processes.