FURTHER EXPLANATION · 2 MIN READ
What do the new figures show?
The Property Barometer for the third quarter of 2026 was published on 13 October. It brings together completed property transactions from the notarial network. In Belgium, the number of sales was 2.2% lower than in the same quarter of 2025. House sales fell by 2.8%, while the number of apartments sold remained almost stable with a decrease of 0.4%.
Flanders cooled less sharply than the country as a whole. Sales decreased by 1.1%. House sales were down 1.2% and apartment sales 0.7%. The Flemish average conceals differences between provinces. Flemish Brabant recorded a rise of 1%, while the other provinces showed a decrease. A general figure is useful context, but insufficient to assess one municipality or home.
Fewer sales, but higher averages
A decrease in the number of transactions does not automatically mean that homes became cheaper. Over the first nine months of 2026, the average house price in Flanders was 398,182 euros. That is 3.5% more than the 2025 annual average. An apartment averaged 300,349 euros, an increase of 1.8%.
These amounts are not price advice for a specific property. Location, floor area, energy performance, renovation obligations, planning status, co-ownership and possible defects can make a difference. The comparison also uses averages over different periods. The barometer compares prices for the first nine months of 2026 with the full-year average for 2025.
A recognisable example
Suppose a couple views a house in the province of Antwerp with an asking price close to the provincial average. That figure does not yet show whether the price is appropriate. Poor energy performance, an unauthorised extension or an unclear plot boundary may cause future costs. Conversely, a move-in-ready home in a strong location may be above average without being legally or financially unreasonable.
What can you check before making an offer?
Do not compare only the asking price. Also review the energy performance certificate, planning information, soil and flood information, electrical inspection and title deed. For an apartment, add the base deed, co-ownership rules, recent minutes and planned costs. If necessary, make financing and essential investigations clear conditions precedent.
Notariaat Wellens can review the draft offer or sale agreement in advance, gather the legal documents and coordinate points of attention with your bank, estate agent or expert. This lets you use market data as context without confusing it with an investigation of the specific property you want to buy.