Affordable living in Flanders: The 10 cheapest municipalities

The search for an affordable home in Flanders is challenging, but not impossible. By looking at specific municipalities outside the major cities, you'll often find places where you can enjoy a quiet life within your budget. Below you'll find an overview of 10 municipalities with low purchase prices and interesting rental prices.

The absolute frontrunners: lowest prices

These municipalities are at the top in terms of affordability. Note that 'cheap' doesn't always mean 'unsatisfying'; these places often offer a high quality of life.

1. Poperinge: Purchase price €167,000, Rent €678, Schools: 43
2. Avelgem: Purchase price €167,500, Rent €709, Schools: 14
3. Ronse: Purchase price €180,000, Rent €749, Schools: 36
4. Menen: Purchase price €181,500, Rent €676, Schools: 42
5. Moorslede: Purchase price €198,500, Rent €768, Schools: 14
6. Deerlijk: Purchase price €205,000, Rent €755, Schools: 19
7. Harelbeke: Purchase price €205,000, Rent €758, Schools: 30
8. Izegem: Purchase price €209,500, Rent €713, Schools: 27
9. Tongeren-Borgloon: Purchase price €210,000, Rent €799, Schools: 60
10. Brakel: Purchase price €213,500, Rent €734, Schools: 22

Note: Rankings and prices may vary by data source period. For the most current figures, please consult our data.

Budget tips: what to consider beyond the price?

Looking at the lowest price is important, but that's not everything. An affordable home doesn't necessarily have to be in a quiet neighbourhood. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a house:

• Price evolution: The price evolution percentage indicates how the market is developing. A decline like in Avelgem (-35.1%) or Poperinge (-20.7%) may mean the market is currently favourable. A rise of 8.9% in Izegem means you need to act faster before prices go up further.
• Amenities: The number of schools is a good indicator of education quality and other services. Poperinge with 43 schools or Tongeren-Borgloon with 60 schools offer more choice than Moorslede with 14 schools, depending on what matters to you.
• Population: A municipality with a higher population is often more lively and has better public transport options than a smaller village. This of course depends on your personal preference.

Conclusion: where do you want to live?

It is certainly possible to live affordably in Flanders, even if you don't have to give up a large city. From Poperinge to Brakel and from West-Flanders to East-Flanders, there are places that meet your requirements in terms of budget and amenities. Prices range from €167,000 to €213,500, but with rent often staying under €800, life in these municipalities is still pleasant.

Want to know more about the current market, specifically for your region, or are you looking for the perfect home in one of these affordable municipalities? Then visit WaarWonen.be. We're happy to help you find where you can live best within your budget.

Find your new home today.