Registration duties cut to 3% on the purchase of a sole own home
Since 2025, registration duties on the purchase of a main residence in Wallonia have been reduced from 12.5% to 3%. The measure aims to make buying a home more accessible, particularly for young households and first-time buyers. To benefit from this reduced rate, the buyer must register their domicile there within 3 years and remain domiciled there for at least 3 consecutive years.
Trend: This reduction represents a significant saving for buyers. For example, on a property worth €250,000, the buyer will save €23,750 in registration duties. Inspired by the Flemish tax regime, the measure could boost the Walloon property market by making the purchase of a first home more affordable, as part of this reform.
Abolition of existing tax schemes
In return for this reduction in registration duties, several current tax schemes, such as the first-time buyer allowance, the chèque-habitat housing credit and the reduced rate for modest homes, could be abolished. These schemes offered significant financial advantages but were considered complex and of limited effectiveness in encouraging home ownership.
Consequence: Buyers will need to familiarise themselves with the new tax rules, which simplify the system but remove certain existing advantages. First-time buyers, who previously benefited from the allowance and the chèque-habitat, will now have to turn to other options, such as energy renovation grants, to reduce their tax burden.
A ban on letting energy-inefficient homes
One of the major aspects of the reform is the ban on letting properties rated F or G for energy performance (EPB). These properties, regarded as "energy sieves", will have to be renovated to improve their performance before they can be let. The ban aims to encourage the energy renovation of the Walloon housing stock.
Impact: The ban is intended to encourage owners to renovate their properties to bring them into line with energy standards. This could trigger a wave of renovation works in the years ahead, as owners will no longer be able to let their energy-inefficient properties. The measure has a significant impact on the rental market and the quality of housing.
Resale conditions for current owners
To benefit from the reduced 3% rate on a new purchase, a buyer who already owns a home outright must undertake to sell it within three years of buying the new property. Failing that, they pay the 12.5% rate. The measure aims to prevent abuse and encourage turnover in the housing stock.
Consequence: Owners will be encouraged to sell their current home more quickly in order to benefit from the reduced rate on their new purchase. This could increase supply on the property market and boost transactions. It is essential to understand this reform properly in order to anticipate its impact on your project.
Zero-interest loans for renovation works (renovation cheques)
The reform also provides for easier access to zero-interest loans, such as the "Rénopack" and the "Prêt vert", to finance energy renovation works. These loans will allow owners to finance works such as insulation, replacing heating systems or installing solar panels. The amounts that can be borrowed range from €1,000 to €60,000, depending on the specific needs of the project.
Advantage: These loans considerably reduce the cost of renovation works, making energy compliance more accessible. The measure supports owners in their efforts to improve the energy performance of their property.
Conclusion: a new tax landscape in Wallonia
The reform of registration duties in Wallonia, which came into force in 2025, aims to simplify the tax system and encourage the purchase of main residences while promoting energy renovation. Whether you are a buyer or an owner, it is crucial to stay informed of legislative developments in order to optimise your property project. The YOUHOME team is here to support and advise you in this new tax era.
