Belgium’s Shocking Move.. Ending Municipal Tax for Second Homes Soon?

Belgium Ending Municipal Tax on Second Homes Soon

The Council of State’s ruling to abolish the coastal second-home province tax sparks challenges to higher municipal taxes, potentially reshaping property levies across Belgium.

Marie Dupont11 June 2025Last Update : 1 day ago

Komt er een einde aan de gemeentetaks voor wie een tweede verblijf heeft?

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The recent decision by the Raad van State to annul the province tax on second homes along the Belgian coast has stirred significant debate. This ruling, announced around 2025-06-10 17:30:00, challenges the fairness of imposing higher taxes on coastal second-home owners compared to local residents. Could this landmark judgment reshape how local municipalities apply taxes on holiday properties?

6 Key Takeaways

Raad van State vernietigt provinciebelasting tweede verblijf
Gemeentebelasting tweede verblijf mogelijk ook discriminerend
Tweedeverblijvers kunnen gemeentebelasting terugvorderen
Gemeentetaksen variëren sterk aan de kust
Rechtszaken tegen gemeentebelasting nemen toe
Nieuwe gemeentereglementen leiden tot juridische procedures

Notably, the province tax, which charged second-home owners roughly three times more than residents, was deemed discriminatory. This verdict raises questions about the legitimacy of similar municipal taxes, which often impose even higher fees. What impact will this have on coastal communities and the broader property market?

Experts suggest that the ruling could pave the way for second-home owners to contest municipal taxes, potentially leading to refunds and changes in local tax policies. Let’s explore what this means for property owners and municipalities alike.

Fast Answer: The annulment of the province tax on second homes may lead to widespread challenges against coastal municipal taxes, affecting thousands of Belgian second-home owners and possibly triggering significant tax refunds.

How will municipalities respond to this legal shift? The Raad van State’s reasoning highlights the discriminatory nature of taxing second homes at higher rates, which could undermine similar local levies. Key points include:

The province tax was about €130 annually, significantly higher than the €44 or €22 paid by residents.
Coastal municipal taxes range from €674 to €1,289, far exceeding the province tax.
Legal challenges are already underway, with consumer groups assisting owners to contest these taxes.
New municipal tax regulations expected by the end of 2025 may face further legal scrutiny.

This ruling directly affects thousands of second-home owners along Belgium’s coast and possibly beyond, including popular areas like the Ardennes, signaling a potential nationwide tax reassessment.

As municipalities prepare new tax regulations, owners of second homes should stay informed and consider their legal options. Will local authorities revise their tax policies to avoid further disputes? The coming months will be crucial in defining the future of second-home taxation in Belgium.