Belgium, Unknown – January 16, 2026 — Antwerp, Belgium – The Antwerp City Council has approved a forward-thinking initiative offering a 25% reduction in property taxes for up to 15,000 homeowners undertaking eco-friendly renovations, effective from March 2026. This measure aims to accelerate sustainable housing upgrades across the city, fostering greener neighbourhoods and supporting residents in modernising their properties.
Councillors voted unanimously on Thursday to implement the tax relief programme, which targets improvements such as enhanced insulation, solar panel installations, and energy-efficient heating systems. Homeowners who complete certified renovations will see their annual property tax bills lowered by a quarter for five years, providing substantial long-term savings. City officials estimate the incentive could save qualifying households an average of €450 annually, based on typical Antwerp property assessments.
“This step represents a meaningful investment in our city’s future,” said Alderman for Environment and Housing, Marieke Verstraeten. “By easing the financial burden on families and encouraging eco-upgrades, we empower communities to build resilient, low-carbon homes while enhancing property values and quality of life.”
The programme builds on Antwerp’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, aligning with broader Flemish goals for carbon neutrality by 2050. Eligible renovations must achieve at least a B-rating on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scale, verified by independent auditors. Applications open in September 2026, with priority given to older districts like Borgerhout and Merksem, where many pre-1980 homes stand to benefit most. The council has allocated €12 million from its green transition fund to subsidise initial assessment costs and partner with local contractors.
Local experts praise the initiative for its practicality and reach. “This targeted relief will stimulate a wave of renovations, creating jobs in the green building sector and reducing energy bills for thousands,” noted Pieter De Clercq, director of the Antwerp Sustainable Housing Institute. Early projections suggest the scheme could cut citywide household energy use by 12% over the next decade, contributing to lower emissions and healthier living spaces.
Residents have responded enthusiastically. In a public consultation held last month, over 8,000 Antwerp citizens expressed support, with many sharing stories of delayed upgrades due to upfront costs. “We’ve wanted to install better windows and insulation for years, but the expense held us back,” said homeowner Lena Martens from the Kiel neighbourhood. “This tax cut makes it feasible, and we’ll enjoy warmer winters and a smaller carbon footprint.”
The policy also includes training programmes for 500 local tradespeople, ensuring high-quality work and boosting employment in eco-construction. Partnerships with firms like EcoBuild Antwerp will offer discounted materials, further lowering barriers. To streamline participation, a dedicated online portal launches in January 2026, featuring guides, cost calculators, and progress trackers.
This move contrasts positively with regional trends, positioning Antwerp as a leader in resident-focused green incentives. While some nearby municipalities adjust taxes upward to balance budgets, Antwerp’s council emphasises revenue from rising property values and tourism as offsets. Finance Alderman Tomas Grootjans highlighted the economic ripple effects: “Renovated eco-homes attract families and professionals, strengthening our vibrant urban fabric.”
Implementation draws on successful pilots in districts like Ekeren, where similar incentives since 2024 have upgraded 2,500 properties, yielding a 15% drop in local energy demand. Verstraeten added, “We anticipate full rollout across all 15,000 targeted homes by 2029, creating model neighbourhoods that inspire beyond Antwerp.”
Community groups, including the Antwerp Green Homes Network, are mobilising volunteer teams to assist elderly residents with applications. Schools will incorporate the programme into curricula, educating pupils on sustainable living from an early age.
As March 2026 approaches, the city council prepares a launch event at the Groenplaats, featuring demonstrations of approved technologies and testimonials from early adopters. This initiative underscores Antwerp’s proactive approach to climate action, blending fiscal smartness with environmental progress to benefit generations ahead.
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Image Credit: Photo by Andreas Leindecker on Pexels
