Belgians and Foreign Real Estate: France Remains the Favorite
Popular Regions for Belgian Buyers
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region is the undisputed leader in foreign real estate transactions. In 2022, foreign buyers carried out 3,800 transactions here, accounting for 3.8% of all real estate transactions in PACA (Notaires de France). Among these buyers, Belgians rank second with 15%, just behind the Germans (16%).
Other popular regions include (Notaires de France):
- Creuse, Alpes-Maritimes, and the French Ardennes are among the most popular departments for non-resident foreign buyers in 2022.
- Alpes-Maritimes, where foreign buyers account for 7% of all transactions.
- The French Ardennes, where foreign purchases increased from 4% in 2019 to 7% in 2022.
- Eastern France, where foreign property acquisitions in departments such as Meuse, Haute-Marne, and Haute-Saône make up nearly 5% of the market.
Why France? The Key Factors
Recent data shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased Belgian interest in French real estate. The main reasons are:
- Accessibility: No dependence on air travel or strikes—just a convenient drive to a holiday home.
- Climate & nature: From the sunny Côte d’Azur to the tranquility of the French Ardennes.
- Language & culture: French-speaking real estate is particularly attractive to Belgians, especially in Wallonia.
Conclusion
France remains the number one destination for Belgian real estate investors. The combination of proximity, climate, and fiscal opportunities makes it highly appealing. However, proper preparation is crucial to avoid unexpected costs and taxes.
Are you planning to buy a holiday home in France? RFN will guide you through every step, from purchase to tax optimization. Contact us for tailored advice!