Batibouw opens as building sector sees recovery

Batibouw, Belgium’s biggest building and renovation fair, has opened at Brussels Expo. The event runs from Saturday 7 February to 15 February and is aimed at people who want to build or renovate their homes.

After several difficult years, the construction sector is hopeful again. According to industry group Embuild, prices of building materials have stabilised in 2025. Interest rates are also steady, and house prices are no longer rising quickly. This makes now a good time to start building or renovating, the group says.

Embuild believes costs are unlikely to fall in the future, so delaying work may not save money.

Batibouw is recovering after a drop in visitors following the Covid pandemic. In 2022, only 116,000 people attended, less than half the number in 2019. Last year, visitor numbers rose again to more than 200,000. Several major brands, including Velux and Eggo, have returned this year.

The fair also comes as the Flemish government makes building rules simpler. From 1 March, many small home improvements will no longer need a permit, Environment minister Jo Brouns announced on Wednesday.

No permit will be required for most interior renovations, adding insulation, fitting doors and windows, or working on roofs and façades without changing the building’s size. Plug-in solar panels are also included. The former reporting system has been removed, except for care homes.

Farmers will no longer need permits for small shelters, water storage, and small energy systems. Businesses will also benefit from fewer rules.

Local councils can still set rules in special cases, such as protected buildings or valuable trees.

Minister Brouns has received the “Golden Brick” award from builders’ group Bouwunie. He was praised for his permit reforms and cooperation with the sector.

The organisation also highlighted his work on environmental rules and cutting red tape. Several construction companies were also honoured at the awards ceremony.

^{© Batibouw 2025 BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}