Renovate or Move House in Belgium in 2026 - Financial and Practical Comparison

The Short Answer

RENOVATE OR MOVE? BOTH HAVE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES!

Aspect	Renovate	Move
Costs	€50k-€150k	€11,300-€41,300 Notary (Depending on 2% or 12.5% registration duty)
Timing	3-6 months	2-3 months
Disruption	0 moves (You stay!)	1 full move
Return	70-90% recouped	Not always
Best for	Growing family in a favourite neighbourhood	Changing needs
Mortgage rate 2026	Same (3.2-3.5%)	New (3.2-3.5%, but higher costs)

1. Renovating: the details

Renovation cost breakdown

SMALL RENOVATION (Kitchen + Bathroom refresh):

Kitchen update: €15,000-€25,000
Bathroom update: €8,000-€15,000
Tiling / painting / decorating: €5,000-€10,000
Electrical adjustments: €2,000-€4,000
TOTAL: €30,000-€54,000

MEDIUM RENOVATION (Multiple rooms + insulation):

Full kitchen renovation: €20,000-€35,000
Bathroom completely redone: €12,000-€20,000
Insulation / roofwork: €20,000-€40,000
Electricity + plumbing: €5,000-€10,000
TOTAL: €57,000-€105,000

FULL RENOVATION (Entire house from scratch):

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Everything new (walls, floors, etc.): €150,000-€250,000
Structural works (beams, window frames): €40,000-€100,000
Full rewiring (all new electrical cabling): €15,000-€30,000
TOTAL: €205,000-€380,000+

UNEXPECTED COSTS: ALWAYS add a 15-20% buffer!

Advantages of renovating

EMOTIONAL ADVANTAGES:
✅ Stay in your favourite neighbourhood (family, friends, school all stay nearby!)
✅ School, friends and family remain close (no disruption)
✅ Less stress (no moving house with kids!)
✅ Normal routine is preserved (children thrive on stability!)

FINANCIAL ADVANTAGES:
✅ Property value increases (ROI: 70-90% = great return!)
✅ Better energy performance (improved EPC rating, energy bill -30%!)
✅ Monthly repayment stays the same (same mortgage, NOT higher!)
✅ ENTIRELY your home (you decide everything!)

Disadvantages of renovating

PRACTICAL DISADVANTAGES:
❌ High upfront investment (€50k+ needed!)
❌ Long building period (3-6 months of noise, mess and chaos!)
❌ Uncertainties (surprises!

Frequently asked questions

How much does a renovation typically cost in Belgium?

Renovation costs vary widely depending on the scope. A small renovation (kitchen and bathroom refresh) costs around €30,000-€54,000, a medium renovation runs €57,000-€105,000, and a full house renovation can reach €205,000-€380,000 or more.

Should I add a budget buffer for unexpected renovation costs?

Yes, the advice is to always add a 15-20% buffer on top of your estimated renovation costs to cover unexpected surprises during the works.

What are the moving costs when buying a new home in Belgium?

Moving costs range from €11,300 to €41,300, depending on whether you pay the 2% or 12.5% registration duty on the purchase.

Will renovating my home increase its value?

Renovating typically gives a return on investment of 70-90%, meaning you recoup most of what you spend through increased property value. An improved EPC rating can also reduce energy bills by around 30%.

How long does a renovation take compared to moving house?

A renovation generally takes 3-6 months, while buying and moving to a new home typically takes 2-3 months. With renovation you avoid a full move, but you do have to live with noise and disruption during the building period.