Around 850,000 Belgians own two or more houses (thereby raising prices)

However, according to notaries, things are gradually changing. “The real estate market has cooled down a bit and the situation is normalizing,” says Van Opstal. Thanks to higher interest rates that banks charge for mortgage loans and high inflation, the tide seems to have turned.

At the same time, most of the people who wanted (and could afford) a second home have now bought one. Notaries therefore expect the real estate market to become “more balanced”. “There’s a good chance you’ll be able to negotiate more on price soon,” concludes Van Opstal.