Antwerp, also known as the diamond city, is characterized by its rich history, architecture, and harbour activities. As one of the most visited cities in Belgium, it is filled with historic monuments such as the majestic city hall and the impressive Cathedral of Antwerp. Located on the Scheldt river, Antwerp has been a significant center for trade and culture in Northern Europe for centuries.
Exclusive Housing Market in Antwerp
Antwerp has a strong and stable luxury housing market, with a steady demand for high-quality homes and apartments. The current political and economic situation in Antwerp remains stable, contributing to the robustness of the housing market.
Costs and Taxes for Purchasing a Luxury Home
When purchasing a luxury house or apartment in Antwerp, the average brokerage fee is about 3% for both buyers and sellers. This purchase is subject to a 10% transfer tax. Additional costs may include notary fees, technical inspection costs, and legal fees. There's no tax on the profit when selling a house that's used as the primary residence, but there is when selling a second home. The rate for wealth tax on a house depends on the net worth of the property.
Mortgage and Financial Requirements
To obtain a mortgage in Antwerp, the buyer is usually expected to finance a portion of the purchase price themselves. The maximum mortgage one can get depends on personal income and the value of the property.
Living in Antwerp
Antwerp is located in the province of Antwerp and has around 520,000 inhabitants. The most sought-after residential areas for luxury homes include Het Zuid, Eilandje, and Harmonie. The city is easily accessible by road and train, and it's less than an hour drive from the airports of Brussels and Eindhoven. It offers a wide range of cultural activities such as museums (Rubenshuis, Museum Aan de Stroom), galleries, theatres (Royal Ballet of Flanders), and annual events such as the Antwerp Film Festival and the Antwerp Pride Parade.
Antwerp is also a paradise for shopaholics and gourmets, with many luxury stores, high-quality restaurants (The Jane, Septime) and stylish nightlife. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy football at Royal Antwerp FC, tennis at Kim Clijsters Academy, or cycling along the Scheldt. For health care, residents can go to various hospitals and clinics, including the University Hospital of Antwerp and the Sint-Augustinus Clinic.
In the immediate vicinity of Antwerp, there are beautiful nature areas such as the Kalmthoutse Heide and the Rivierenhof. The temperate maritime climate in Antwerp makes it pleasant to live year-round. Public transport is well-organized and there are many public facilities such as parks, libraries, and recreational facilities.