Since January 1st, registration duty rates in Wallonia have been reduced from 12.5% to 3% under certain conditions. This reduced rate now applies to the purchase of your primary residence, whether it's a house, an apartment, a building plot, or even a property under construction or off-plan. If you purchase land with an existing building that you plan to demolish in order to build your own home, you may also benefit from this reduction.
Who is eligible for the reduced 3% rate?
To benefit from this advantageous rate, certain conditions must be met:
1. No other residential property ownership: The buyer must not own another residential property, in whole or in part. If you do own one, you must commit to selling it within 3 years following the purchase of the new property.
o For an existing home, you must move in within 3 years.
o For a building plot or a property under construction or off-plan, the deadline is 5 years.
3. Maintaining your primary residence: Once you move in, you must reside in the property for at least 3 years from the date of occupancy.
Which properties are eligible for the reduced 3% rate?
The reduced 3% rate applies to the purchase of real estate intended to become your primary residence. This includes:
• Properties under construction or off-plan
• Land with an existing structure, provided you intend to demolish it to build your own home
Is there a price cap for the reduced 3% rate?
No, there is no limit on the value of the property being purchased. You can benefit from the reduced rate regardless of the purchase price.
Can I benefit from the reduced rate if I am a usufructuary or bare owner of another property?
Yes, you can still benefit from the reduced rate as long as you do not fully own another residential property. Properties held in usufruct or bare ownership do not disqualify you from the reduced rate.
Are foreign properties taken into account?
Yes, the condition regarding property ownership also applies to real estate located abroad. All residential properties, whether in Belgium or abroad, will be considered.
Will the housing cheque still be available as of 2025?
No, as of January 1, 2025, the housing cheque has been abolished for mortgage loans entered into after this date. If you benefit from the reduced 3% rate for your purchase, the housing cheque can no longer be claimed, even for loans concluded before 2025, if they relate to a property that qualifies for the reduced rate. The regime for modest homes will also be abolished starting in 2025.