New year, new legislation! To still see the forest for the trees, here is a handy overview of all property changes around living and (re)building that will take effect from January 1, 2021.
1. Power bill of your home
Starting January 1, 2021, we will see some changes on our power bill. For example, the contribution we pay to the distribution networks will decrease in 2021, by an average of 4 percent. We pay this contribution for the maintenance and construction of the electricity networks. For natural gas, the contribution does increase slightly, although most families in Flanders can expect a lower electricity bill in the coming year. Furthermore, the night-only tariff will be phased out in 2021. This will impact some 140,000 families, who, for example, heat their homes by charging electric accumulators at night. To reduce the impact on the bill, the Flemish government is coming up with increased premiums for insulation of roofs, floors, walls and heat pumps. From 2022, the distinction between day and night tariffs will be completely abolished.
2. Heavier penalties for smoke alarms
Since last year, it has been mandatory to have a smoke detector in the home. Now that we are a year away, the lack of a smoke detector in the home will be more heavily sanctioned. Thus, your home may be declared unfit and/or uninhabitable. This has serious consequences for renting or occupying the property. So being in order with your smoke alarms in the home not only saves lives, but can also save you a lot of money and trouble. Be sure to check that your smoke detectors meet the right conditions. Tenant or landlord of an apartment or house? Here you will find a handy overview of who is responsible for what in terms of smoke detectors and fire insurance.
3. New homes become more energy efficient
Building applications submitted from Jan. 1, 2021, will be subject to a more energy-efficient requirement. In 2020, that was still maximum energy level 35, or E35, but that will change to maximum E30. That means new homes will be under the BEN standard (“nearly zero-energy”) standard. The lower the E-score, the less energy you use for insulation, heating, cooling and ventilation. Moreover, the energy needed is often green. In this way, Europe wants to combat climate change and make people less dependent on fossil fuels.
4. VAT on demolition and construction reduces
Originally a 21% VAT rate applies to demolition and reconstruction works, but it will be reduced to 6% during the period between Jan. 1, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2022. This tax advantage is taken in light of the corona crisis: it motivates people to renovate their homes at a lower cost. Find out the conditions for the reduced VAT. Anyone who buys a house or apartment and renovates it energetically within 5 years will enjoy a reduced registration rate of 5% on the purchase price from January 1, 2021. All practical information can be found here.
5. Fuel oil boilers banned for new construction
From 2021, it will be prohibited to install a fuel oil boiler as a heating appliance in a new home or during a major energy renovation. Attention: if you still have a fuel oil boiler at home, you do not have to actively replace it. Should your oil boiler break down and you therefore need a new heating appliance, it must meet certain minimum requirements. Alternatives to your oil boiler include a condensing boiler, a heat pump or a solar water heater.
6. Solar panels: end reversing counter
Those who had solar panels installed in 2020 could opt for the reverse counter system (your meter turns back when your solar panels generate energy). As of Jan. 1, 2021, this will no longer be possible. To compensate for this financial advantage, the Flemish government is providing a premium for investing in solar panels starting in 2021. The planned premium amounts to a maximum of 1,500 euros. It will decrease annually between 2021 and 2024 and will be abolished in 2025. To qualify for this premium, you must meet certain conditions. Sources: Flanders
Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:
Biets, R. (2021, Jan. 1). Housing changes 2021. Apartment.com. Consulted on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/wat-verandert-1-januari-2021-voor-woning/