Rural real estate and historic properties require a deep understanding of the market and relevant benchmarks. Through these articles, my goal is to demystify the complexities of this market and its regulations, providing owners with reliable insights to preserve and enhance the value of their property over time.
Yves Lange
After completing his degree at the Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) in 1996, Yves Lange honed his analytical skills within the GlaxoSmithKline group while pursuing additional studies in logistics at HEC Liège. In 1998, he took the helm at Comptoir Foncier, a historic firm renowned for its tailored approach to prestige estates, forestry, and agricultural land.
Today, his daily practice is divided between valuing complex real estate portfolios and overseeing the sale of historic residences, farmland, and forests. His membership in the Belgian Professional Institute of Real Estate Agents (IPI) and his certification by the Chamber of Real Estate Experts of Belgium (Cibex) reflect a strict commitment to ethics and an expert methodology recognized by courts and financial institutions alike.
For Yves Lange, high-end real estate rests on two fundamental pillars: discretion and a thorough knowledge of relevant market comparables. An appraisal should never seek to flatter; it must reflect the strict reality of the market to ensure peace of mind during family transfers or strategic financial decisions.
Since 1 September 2026, the EPC certificate for existing homes in Wallonia has undergone a change. The document no longer merely assigns an energy rating: it now sets out a suggested renovation plan leading to an A rating,…
The key factors that determine the price per hectare in Belgium. The significant impact of a farm lease on the value of your assets. Expert advice on identifying the best buyers in Wallonia and Flanders. Strategic approaches to maximise the sale price...
Combining the charm of the past with the demands of the future: discover the key stages of your energy transition. Find out why and how to combine the charm of the past with the efficiency of renewable energy. The key stages for planning your project, from the energy audit...
Understanding land-use change: Why soil conservation is becoming the cornerstone of modern urban planning. The ‘Stop Concrete’ shift: An analysis of Walloon and Flemish strategies to limit urban sprawl. Impact on the property market: An analysis of the increasing scarcity of land...
Strategic preparation: how to analyse the property advert, planning documents and the neighbourhood surroundings before visiting the property. The technical interior inspection: a thorough checklist for inspecting the building, from the cellar to the loft (damp, structural integrity, insulation). Examination of the...
Key changes compared with the previous renovation grant scheme in Wallonia The reform imposes stricter conditions on renovation grants in Wallonia, with a mandatory energy audit, a set sequence of works to be followed and, in most cases, a loan linked to the project. The aim...
an overview of the different types of period properties in Belgium: castles, manor houses, stately homes, renovated farmhouses and listed buildings; the reasons for investing in this unique heritage: quality of life, a sound investment, meaningful projects and potential financial support; an a...
Assessing the heritage value of a castle or manor house is an essential step for any owner wishing to sell, pass on or simply ascertain the true potential of their property. Understanding how to assess the heritage value of a castle or manor house enables you to anticipate the associated tax, legal and land-related issues.
Do you dream of space, buildings steeped in history and a garden where you can watch your children grow up? Buying a farmhouse or a small farmhouse in Belgium often stems from this deep-seated desire to make a new life in the countryside. But this isn’t just any purchase. It’s a lifelong project. ...
the 7 mistakes to avoid when buying a luxury property (castle, manor house, stately home, etc.); why it is essential to plan ahead for surveys, costs, legal constraints and marketing strategy; how Comptoir Foncie’s century-long expertise...
how to enhance the value of a character property (castle, manor house, stately home, etc.) without losing its authenticity; what are the challenges (renovation, legal constraints, a limited market) and the keys to success (expertise, balanced modernisation, a premium strategy); why...
Forest investment is attracting an increasing number of investors seeking to diversify their assets whilst benefiting from a sustainable and tangible investment. In Belgium, forests cover around 22 % of the country’s territory, with the majority located in Wallonia. Acquiring a forest allows one not only...
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