Belgium's coastline is just 67 kilometres long but has the highest real estate prices in the country. But whilst property prices elsewhere in the country have risen, growth rates on the North Sea are more stable than elsewhere in Belgium.
Over the past three years, coastal property prices have risen much more quickly than the rest of Belgium: up 13.5% compared to a national average of 9%. In July 2024, a coastal property costs €4,088 per m² – €1,000 more than the national average per m².
However, this rate has fallen over the past 12 months so that average coastal prices this year grew more slowly than the national average (+ 1.2% vs. +1.7% nationwide). Immoweb puts this down to a decline in purchasing power. "Rising financing costs have made the purchase of second homes on the coast less affordable for many buyers," commented Immoweb General Director Piet Derriks.
Bargains and blowouts
The municipality of Knokke-Heist still has Belgium's most expensive real estate (per m2). After rising by 36.4% over five years and by 17.9% over three years, the average cost in the last 12 months has fallen by 2.4%. Nevertheless, the average price in this coveted commune is still 38% higher than in Nieuport – the second-most desirable coastal area.
Prices vary considerably along the coast: the price gap between Knokke-Heist and Bredene (the least expensive coastal commune) is 137%. In Bredene, prices are on average 30% cheaper than elsewhere along the coast. But although it remains the most affordable municipality, prices have still gone up 10.5%.
Greener pastures
Whilst Belgium's coast can be costly, Immoweb highlighted the relative affordability in comparison to seaside property in France. Average prices per m² in Ramatuelle, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Saint-Tropez are €16,948, €16,416 and €14,656 respectively.
For Belgians seeking less costly property in France, the real estate agency advises Belgians to consider buying in La Manche (€3,993 per m²), Brittany (€3,917 per m²) or Languedoc-Roussillon (€3,765 per m²).
For prospective buyers determined to stay in Belgium, Immoweb suggests looking inland. Average real estate prices in the Ardennes, for example, are significantly lower: in Spa €482 per m², Vielsalm €1,878 per m², and €2,056 per m² in Durbuy.
