Renovating your home often involves a significant expense. Good news: in Belgium, there is a range of financial aid and tax advantages — including regional grants and a reduced VAT rate of 6% — which can significantly reduce the cost of your interior renovation projects, including tiling, baseboard installation, or other decorative and functional work.

1. Reduced VAT at 6%: what you need to know

In Belgium, the standard VAT rate is 21% , but for certain renovation work for private individuals, a reduced rate of 6% applies under certain conditions. Brussels-Capital Region +1

✳️ Main conditions for benefiting from the reduced rate

• The property must have been built more than 10 years ago ;

• It must be used as a private primary or secondary residence ;

• The work must be billed directly to the end user (owner, tenant, usufructuary);

• They must be carried out by a professional contractor , who will bill for labor and materials. Brussels-Capital Region

🔹 This means that tiling, skirting board installation, interior painting, and other renovations (improvements, maintenance, or transformations) can be charged at 6% VAT instead of 21% — resulting in immediate savings. Brussels-Capital Region

📌 Important: If you purchase the materials yourself and pay a tradesperson separately, the reduced rate generally does not apply — the standard rate of 21% then applies to supplies without installation. RTBF

⚠️ 2025 Changes: The rules surrounding certain items (for example, fossil fuel heating systems) will change on July 1, 2025, and they will now be taxed at the standard rate of 21% in some cases. BDO

2. Renovation grants in the Brussels-Capital Region (Renolution)

The Brussels -Capital Region has a simplified renovation grant system called Renolution . These grants aim to support work that improves the comfort, sustainability, and energy efficiency of homes.

🧱 Which works are involved?

• Thermal insulation of walls, floors or roofs;

• Glass replacement;

• Upgrading of electrical and sanitary systems;

• Ventilation and overall energy efficiency improvements. Future Renovations

📈 The amounts awarded depend on:

• the nature of the work ;

• the household income category ;

• The type of dwelling . Future Renovations

📌 Procedures & conditions

• Bonuses must be requested via the official platform (often IRISbox or the dedicated portal);

• In some cases, you must submit the application before or during the work ;

• These subsidies can be combined with the reduced VAT rate of 6% . Brussels-Capital Region +1

👉 Tip: Regularly check the status of the Renolution system, as certain periods (such as 2025) may be marked by transitions or administrative adjustments depending on government decisions. Lumiworld

3. Renovation grants in the Walloon Region

In Wallonia, a range of housing grants exists to encourage energy efficiency improvements and home renovations. These grants are income-based and sometimes require a preliminary energy audit for larger projects. Avenir Renovations

🔎 Works often eligible

• Thermal insulation (roof, walls, floors);

• Replacement of joinery;

• Ventilation and ecological improvement;

• Structural work as needed. Future Renovations

👉 Amounts, rates, and ceilings vary depending on income bracket and type of work, and must be confirmed via My Housing Space or the relevant regional services. Avenir Renovations

4. Aid and subsidies in the Flemish Region

Flanders also has its own renovation grant scheme (e.g., Mijn VerbouwPremie ), which provides financial assistance for certain types of work based on income and the type of renovation. belganewsagency.eu

⚠️ Important in 2025: This system has been reformed to better target low- and middle-income households , and assistance may be lower for higher-income groups. belganewsagency.eu +1

5. Practical application for tiles & skirting boards

🧩 Tile laying
Tiling in an existing dwelling over 10 years old—whether floors or walls—may qualify for a reduced VAT rate of 6% if certain conditions are met (work invoiced by a professional). Brussels-Capital Region

📏 Baseboards and decorative finishes
Baseboards or decorative finishes included in a comprehensive renovation project can also benefit from the reduced VAT rate if they are included in a single invoice issued by a tradesperson. RTBF

💡 Regional bonuses
Even though regional grants don't specifically target "minor jobs" like installing baseboards, these elements are often considered within the framework of a larger energy efficiency or functional improvement project. Avenir Renovations

6. Practical tips to maximize your savings

✔ Contact a certified professional — a tradesperson well-informed about reduced VAT and grants can save you hundreds to thousands of euros.
✔ Request a detailed quote clearly indicating labor and materials to allow for the application of the 6% VAT rate.
✔ Anticipate administrative procedures — some subsidies must be requested before work begins.
✔ Group the work together — combining several items (flooring, insulation, sanitary facilities) can increase your chances of higher bonuses.
✔ Check local rules — conditions can vary from year to year and from region to region.

Useful (official) links

🔗 Brussels – Renovation grants & subsidies : be.brussels
🔗 FPS Finances – Reduced VAT for renovations : finances.belgium.be
🔗 My Housing Space (Wallonia) : monespace.wallonie.be
🔗 Mijn VerbouwPremie (Flanders) : mijnverbouwpremie.be

Conclusion

Whether it's tiling, baseboards, decorating, or interior renovation, the schemes in Belgium in 2025 offer real opportunities for savings , provided you are familiar with the rules regarding reduced VAT and the grants available in your region. By carefully planning your work, choosing expert contractors, and anticipating the necessary steps, you can optimize your expenses while increasing the value and comfort of your home.