In short: in Brussels, every home will need an EPB (energy performance) certificate and must then use at most 275 kWh/m²/year (class E) by 1 January 2033 at the latest. Since 1 June 2025, no oil boiler may be installed during works. If your house is rated F or G, now is the time to plan. Situation as of 3 November 2026.
These dates come from Brussels Environment. They may still be refined by decree: check them before a big decision.
Many pre-1970 Brussels houses that were never insulated are rated F or G today: workers' houses in Anderlecht or Forest, mansion houses in Schaerbeek or Ixelles, post-war homes in Jette or Ganshoren. To know for sure, you need an EPB certificate from an approved assessor. It shows the current class and the most useful improvements.
In most houses, three items are enough to go from G or F to E:
Wall insulation comes next, often on the inside or the rear facade, because street facades can rarely be changed in Brussels.
When you renovate, EPB requirements already apply to the parts you work on: insulated walls must meet minimum values and the rooms you renovate must be ventilated. For a heavy renovation with a permit, total consumption may not exceed 150 kWh/m²/year, and gas boilers will be banned there for permit applications filed from 1 January 2030.
The RENOLUTION grants no longer exist. The Brussels budget agreement of 4 October 2026 plans zero-interest loans for energy renovation, expected in spring 2027 (conditions not yet published). Meanwhile, 6% VAT on renovating homes over 10 years old remains the safest support. See our article on the support that remains in Brussels.
Our advice: group the roof, windows and heating with the other planned works (bathroom, electrics). One coordinated project costs less and avoids reopening the same rooms.
What happens if my house does not reach class E in 2033? Brussels Environment will be able to impose administrative fines. The inspection rules are not all set yet: better to plan the works over several years than to rush everything in 2032.
I rent out my home: does this apply to me? Yes. The 2033 target applies to all homes, rented or not, and the EPB certificate is already required to rent.
Can I keep my oil boiler? Yes, as long as it works. But you will not be able to replace it with another oil boiler. See our article oil or gas boiler: what is still allowed.
CULA helps you choose the works that really gain EPB classes, and gives you a free, detailed quote within 48 hours: request your quote.
Sources: Brussels Environment, EPB targets for every home and EPB requirements for works (consulted on 3 November 2026); RTBF, Brussels budget agreement of 5 October 2026. This information may change.