In short: in Belgium in 2026, a turnkey total renovation generally costs from €1,200 to over €3,000 per m² excluding VAT (typical average: €1,500 to €2,500), with 6% VAT for a home older than 10 years. Work out your budget with our renovation price calculator.
Undertaking a complete renovation in Belgium is a major strategic investment, both for living comfort and property value appreciation. In 2026, the construction market is characterized by increasingly strict energy standards and stabilized but high material costs.
This detailed guide presents realistic budgets, essential expenditure items, and the variables that will influence the final bill for your turnkey renovation project.
The cost of a total renovation varies mainly according to the scale of the structural work and the desired level of finish. In Belgium, for a "turnkey" renovation (including demolition, technical installations, and finishes), the following price ranges serve as a reference for 2026:
| Type of renovation | Description | Average price per m² (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / Eco | Complete refreshment, electricity, simple plumbing, standard materials. | 1,200 € – 1,500 € |
| Comfort / Mid-range | Advanced insulation, spatial reorganization, quality kitchen and sanitary facilities. | 1,600 € – 2,100 € |
| High-end / Premium | Heavy structural changes, home automation, noble materials (stone, solid parquet). | 2,200 € – 3,000 €+ |
These prices generally include labor and materials but exclude architect fees and VAT (6% for homes older than 10 years, 21% in other cases).
Each type of dwelling presents specific technical challenges that impact the overall budget.
Renovating an apartment often involves logistical constraints (elevator, co-ownership schedules). For a total renovation of a 90 m² apartment in Bruxelles, expect between 110,000 € and 160,000 € excl. VAT. The cost is often higher per m² than for a house because the technical areas (kitchen/bathroom) represent a larger share of the total surface.
This is the typical project in Belgium. The renovation often includes the roof and insulation of the rear facade. For 150 m², plan for a budget between 220,000 € and 320,000 € excl. VAT. Site access (narrow facade) can influence the cost of debris removal.
Here, the insulation surfaces (roof and walls) are significant. A total renovation for 200 m² oscillates between 350,000 € and 500,000 € excl. VAT. The integration of high-performance heating systems (heat pump, underfloor heating) is now the standard.
A total renovation with a general contractor like CULA covers all trades. Here is how the budget is generally distributed:
The price of a renovation is not uniform across the Belgian territory.
When planning your budget, always allow a safety margin of 10 to 15% for contingencies (discovery of dry rot, instability of a lintel, etc.). Don't forget to include:
Regional support changed a lot in 2026: in Brussels the RENOLUTION grants were abolished (zero-rate loans are planned for spring 2027); in Wallonia the Habitation grants were replaced on 1 October 2026 by the Rénopack and Rénoprêt loans; in Flanders, Mijn VerbouwPremie is now reserved for lower incomes, except for heat pumps. The safest support remains 6% VAT for homes over 10 years old. Region-by-region details are in our grants guide.
Is it cheaper to renovate or rebuild in 2026? Renovation often benefits from a reduced VAT rate of 6%, which is a major advantage. However, if structural problems are too severe, demolition-reconstruction may prove more cost-effective in the long term to achieve passive house standards.
How long does a total renovation take? For a complete house, allow 6 to 10 months of actual work, excluding the design phase and obtaining permits (an additional 3 to 9 months).
Can I save money by doing the work myself? You can save on labor for demolition or finishes (painting). However, for techniques (electricity, plumbing) and insulation, professional expertise is indispensable to guarantee safety, insurance, and access to grants.
The cost of a total renovation in Belgium in 2026 averages between 1,500 € and 2,500 € per m². Although this amount represents significant capital, the increase in your property's value and the generated energy savings ensure a sustainable return on investment.
To turn your project into reality without unpleasant surprises, budgetary clarity is essential. CULA, a general renovation company active in Bruxelles and its surroundings, supports you in this process with a structured and transparent approach.
Optimize your investment with professional expertise. Contact the CULA team to obtain a detailed and free quote for your total renovation project.