Even though the coronavirus pandemic spurred some Antwerp inhabitants to flee to the suburbs or rural areas, “we certainly did not see a panic, and relatively several persons built the Hamptons choice,” reported Mr. de Ruiter, referring to lasting moves by some affluent New Yorkers to Extensive Island enclaves. “Belgian folks are more laid again. The attitude was, ‘Let’s sit this out and see what transpires.’” The city’s home market remained resilient as a end result, he mentioned.

In accordance to StatBel, the pandemic “had a confined affect on the number of home transactions” in 2020, with the diminished profits quantity “offset by a solid fourth quarter.” In Antwerp, transactions fell yr over yr from 3,502 households offered in 2019 to 2,422 in 2020. As Covid limits recede, 2021 has been occupied for brokers. First-quarter 2021 dwelling gross sales amplified by 14.7 p.c in Antwerp and 11.2 p.c nationally, according to notaris.be, the affiliation of Belgian notaries.

Demand from customers for gardens and outdoor terraces has been the pandemic’s most significant result on Antwerp’s home market place, said Mr. Vertommen, the listing agent. “No make a difference how substantially income they have, every person is wanting to improve their primary home to incorporate some out of doors place,” he claimed. “Before the pandemic, it was parking spaces. Now, it is gardens or terraces.”

Who Buys in Antwerp

Antwerp’s home market is “80 p.c area and Belgian potential buyers,” Mr. de Ruiter claimed. Overseas consumers largely come from the Netherlands, drawn by the shared language and lower housing charges. North American potential buyers are “incidental,” Mr. de Ruiter reported.

Frederic van Bleek, the govt director of Engel & Volkers Antwerp, stated he has seen an enhance in buys by expatriate Belgians returning house right after the pandemic. “They’re seeking for safety, and they want to get their primary dwelling in the metropolis,” he reported.

Mr. Vertommen, the listing agent, mentioned that whilst most of his foreign potential buyers are Dutch, he has offered to Israeli, Lebanese and German clientele, who are often linked to Antwerp’s diamond sector.