Bought an E or F home in Flanders: the renovation obligation in 2026

In short: if since 2023 you have bought a house or apartment in the Flemish Region (Dilbeek, Halle, Asse, Kraainem, Rhode-Saint-Genèse…) rated E or F on the energy certificate (EPC), you must reach at least label D. Since 1 January 2026 you have 6 years after the deed instead of 5, and the planned tightening towards labels C and B has been dropped. Situation as of 3 November 2026.

What changed in 2026

• The deadline goes from 5 to 6 years after the deed. The extension also applies to purchases made before 2026.
• The target stays label D. The schedule with stricter requirements for future purchases has been scrapped.
• The proof is a new EPC drawn up after the works by an approved energy assessor.
• If the deadline passes without label D, the Flemish energy agency (VEKA) can impose an administrative fine.

If you resell before the deadline, the obligation passes to the new buyer, with the time remaining.

Who is affected?

Anyone who has bought a home in Flanders rated E or F at the time of sale since 1 January 2023. A home already rated D or better is not affected. Houses from the 1960s to the 1980s, very common in Dilbeek and around Brussels, are often rated E or F when nothing has been insulated.

The works that lead to label D

In a typical house on the edge of Brussels, you usually get there with:

1. Roof insulation (or insulating the attic floor): the most cost-effective item.
2. New windows to replace single glazing or old double glazing.
3. Efficient heating: a condensing boiler or heat pump, with proper controls.

Depending on the house, floor or wall insulation may be needed. The EPC issued at purchase already lists the recommended improvements: it is the basis of our quote.

And the grants?

They were cut back in 2026:

• Mijn VerbouwPremie: since 1 March 2026, higher incomes (categories 1 and 2) can only get it for a heat pump or a heat-pump water heater. Lower incomes keep the other items (insulation, windows…).
• The EPC label grant has been abolished (except files already under way under the transition rules).
• 6% VAT still applies to renovating a home over 10 years old, invoiced by a contractor.

Check your income category on the official website before counting a grant in your budget.

Frequently asked questions

I bought in 2023: do I also have 6 years? Yes, according to the published information the extension also applies to ongoing obligations. Check your exact deadline on the Flemish government website.

Can I do the works in stages? Yes. What counts is the label reached at the end of the deadline. Roof and windows first, then the heating, is a common approach.

Do I need a permit? Usually not to insulate a roof from the inside or replace windows like for like. Changing a facade, building an extension or insulating on the outside may need one, via the omgevingsloket.

Your house in and around Dilbeek

CULA is based in Dilbeek. We read your EPC with you, price the works that lead to label D and plan them with your other projects (bathroom, kitchen). Free quote within 48 hours: request your quote. For a local example, see our article on bathrooms in Dilbeek.

Sources: published information on the renovation obligation reform (Huisprijzen.be, June 2026; Test-Achats, January 2026), communications from Flemish municipalities and energy offices on Mijn VerbouwPremie 2026 (consulted on 3 November 2026). The official reference is vlaanderen.be. This information may change.