Moving and Housing

The Flemish authorities want people who move from abroad to Flanders and Brussels to take an active part in our society. The Flemish authorities therefore offer a civic integration path which should help newcomers to build up the necessary knowledge and skills. Civic integration can be seen as a first step to help them to fully play their social role as citizen, parent, employee, entrepreneur…...

Low-income families who have been waiting four years or more for social housing and live in a private rental house can qualify for a monthly rent premium. If you already receive a rent subsidy, and you also qualify for a rent premium, then your rent subsidy will end and you will receive a rent premium instead.

Is your home no longer adapted to the physical ailments of old age? Then maybe you qualify for the Flemish home adaptation grant. The aim of the Flemish home adaptation grant is to provide financial help to over-65s who want to adapt their home to the physical needs of old age, for instance by placing technical aids or making renovations to increase accessibility.

If you want to rent or sell an appartment, a studio and most other housing units, you must hold a energy performance certificate (EPC). The EPC mentions the energy rating of an habitation and informs the buyer or tenant on how to make the home more energy-efficient. The EPC must be mentioned on all rental or sale advertisements in order to inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy efficiency of the housing unit.  An EPC remains valid for 10 years.

The property tax is a regional tax on real estate that must be paid each year. In Flanders, the property tax is collected by the Vlaamse Belastingdienst (Flemish Tax Service).

If you want to get a new water connection or a disconnection, please contact your water company. In the case of a move, the previous and the new resident can sign a form for the transfer of the water subscription. ...