Question 1

How much can I borrow for a home in Belgium?

Accepted Answer

How much you can borrow depends on your income, existing debts, the property’s price and your own contribution. Banks look at the share of your income that may go to the loan (your debt-service ratio) and the loan-to-value (how much you borrow relative to the home’s value). This simulator gives a first indication based on common norms, but your bank makes the final call. Compare proposals at several banks to find the best deal.

Question 2

What is DSTI and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

DSTI (Debt Service-to-Income) is the ratio between your total housing costs (mortgage, possibly energy and insurance) and your net income. Belgian banks use it to decide if a loan is responsible. A lower DSTI means more buffer.

Question 3

How much own funds do I need?

Accepted Answer

Many banks expect at least 10% own contribution on the purchase price (more depending on your profile). On top of that you need own funds for registration, notary and other purchase costs, which sit outside the mortgage. The simulator shows how much you’ll owe at the notary.

Question 4

What are the purchase costs on top of the price?

Accepted Answer

On top of the price, the main extras are registration duties and notary fees. Registration duties vary strongly by region and whether it’s your single own home: Flanders 2% (otherwise 12%), Brussels 12.5% with an exemption on the first €200,000 for a first own home under conditions, and Wallonia 3% since 2025 (otherwise 12.5%). Notary fees (fees + deed costs) follow a national sliding scale based on the price; if you take out a mortgage, a separate mortgage deed adds its own costs. For new-build, no registration duty applies to the construction, but 21% VAT does. Pandwijzer estimates these purchase costs based on the region you pick.

Question 5

Can I transfer my current rate to a new loan?

Accepted Answer

At many banks rate transfer (‘pandwissel’) is possible: you carry your existing rate, within conditions, into your new mortgage. If your old rate is lower than today’s market rate, that can lower your monthly payment. Always ask your bank explicitly.

Question 6

What if I have to sell my home first?

Accepted Answer

Enable ‘I’m also selling a property’ in the simulator. The net proceeds (sale value minus the outstanding mortgage) then count as extra own contribution, showing how much room you’d have once the sale closes. The timing of sale and purchase stays an agreement between buyer, seller and notary.