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Reform of Renovation Grants in Wallonia: What Is Changing

In this article, you will find:

The major changes compared with the former renovation grant system in Wallonia
- The reform further regulates renovation grants in Wallonia, with a mandatory energy audit, a required sequence of works and, in most cases, a loan linked to the project.
- The objective is to encourage comprehensive and efficient renovations, focusing on insulation, heating and ventilation.
- From 2028 onwards, buyers will be required to renovate their property in order to gradually meet more demanding EPC levels:
  - 2028: EPC D
  - 2031: EPC C
  - 2036: EPC B
  - 2041: EPC A
Current conditions for benefiting from renovation grants in Wallonia
The impact of the reform of renovation grants in Wallonia on property prices
Advice for buying or renovating a property with peace of mind

Réforme des primes à la rénovation en Wallonie : ce que les propriétaires et futurs acquéreurs doivent absolument savoir

The reform of renovation grants in Wallonia marks a major turning point for anyone considering buying, renovating or enhancing a property in the region. Are you planning to buy or renovate a property in Wallonia? In this article, you will discover what is changing in concrete terms, the new conditions for accessing renovation grants in Wallonia, which works should be prioritised and how this reform affects the property market.

Whether you are already a homeowner or still considering a purchase, this evolution of the public support system deserves your full attention. It directly influences the feasibility of projects, the overall renovation budget and, ultimately, the value of your property.

Reform of Renovation Grants in Wallonia: What Really Changes for Owners

Why this change?

The reform of renovation grants in Wallonia is part of a regional strategy to better regulate financial aid and accelerate the energy renovation of the housing stock. The objective is clear: to encourage more coherent, higher performing renovations that are genuinely effective over the long term.

The main change lies in the now mandatory link between renovation grants in Wallonia and the taking out of a loan dedicated to the renovation works. In most cases, it is no longer possible to receive a grant without associated financing.

What has changed compared with the previous system?

More structured access to financial aid

Before the reform of renovation grants in Wallonia, some owners could benefit from aid without a comprehensive view of their project. From now on, an energy audit is essential in order to define a logical sequence of works.

A global renovation approach

Renovation grants in Wallonia now favour projects that genuinely improve the energy performance of the building, rather than isolated and inefficient interventions.

Is it still worthwhile?

While this reform may seem more restrictive, it remains advantageous for well prepared projects. By combining grants with preferential rate loans, households can finance more ambitious renovations while increasing the value of their property.

For buyers of older or character properties, this reform of renovation grants in Wallonia represents a real opportunity, provided they are properly supported.

Reform of Renovation Grants in Wallonia: What Obligations Apply After Buying a Property?

The reform of renovation grants in Wallonia introduces a major new requirement for buyers from 2028 onwards: the obligation to renovate the property within a specific timeframe after purchase. This measure aims to accelerate the energy improvement of Wallonia’s housing stock and gradually eliminate the most energy intensive homes.

In practical terms, a buyer will be required to carry out works in order to reach a minimum level of energy performance within five years of the notarial deed. The required level will evolve over time:

From 2028: achieve EPC D
From 2031: achieve EPC C
From 2036: achieve EPC B
From 2041: achieve EPC A

Until 2028, nothing changes for buyers. However, for future projects, this reform of renovation grants in Wallonia requires more thorough consideration before purchasing. The cost of works, access to renovation grants in Wallonia and the use of loans must now be integrated from the negotiation phase onwards.

For informed buyers, this obligation can also become a lever. A property with a poor EPC rating may be purchased at a more attractive price, provided the renovation works and available financial aid are correctly anticipated.

What Are the Conditions for Obtaining Renovation Grants in Wallonia?

To benefit from renovation grants in Wallonia, several conditions must be met:

Being the owner or future owner of a property located in Wallonia
Carrying out a prior energy audit
Respecting the recommended order of works
Taking out a loan linked to the renovation project

The amounts of renovation grants in Wallonia also vary depending on household income.

Which Works Should Be Prioritised?

The reform of renovation grants in Wallonia focuses on works with a high energy impact:

Roof insulation
Wall and floor insulation
Replacement of obsolete heating systems
Improvement of ventilation

These works are essential for reducing energy consumption and improving living comfort.

What Impact Will This Have on Property Prices in Wallonia?

This reform is already influencing the property market in Wallonia. Renovated and energy efficient properties are becoming more attractive and gaining value. Conversely, energy intensive properties may see their prices adjusted downwards if significant renovation works are required.

What Impact on Older, Character, Agricultural or Forestry Properties?

The reform of renovation grants in Wallonia particularly affects older and character properties, which are often energy intensive but have strong heritage value. Castles, manor houses, country houses, farms and rural buildings are directly impacted by the new EPC requirements.

These properties generally require substantial and sometimes complex works, which must be planned in a global and coherent manner. Renovation grants in Wallonia can then play a key role, provided the project is structured, audited and financed through the loan mechanisms provided by the reform.

Agricultural and forestry properties require an even more specific analysis.

Why Is It Important to Be Informed Before Buying or Renovating?

The reform of renovation grants in Wallonia changes the rules of the game. Informing yourself in advance, reading specialised articles and surrounding yourself with experts helps avoid unpleasant surprises and optimise the value of your property assets.