Why your farm is worth more today than ever before
You may have already heard: the Flemish Parliament is currently considering 'fermettisering' (farm conversion). As the owner of a farm or agricultural land in West Flanders, East Flanders, or Flemish Brabant, this has a direct impact on your property.
The demand for characterful rural properties in the Bruges, Ghent, and surrounding areas remains unprecedentedly high, but the rules are changing. Now is the time to take action, whether you are buying or selling a farm in Flanders.
What exactly is fermettisation?
Fermettisation refers to the phenomenon whereby old farms belonging to farmers who are ceasing production are bought up by non-farmers and converted into luxury homes, B&Bs or other non-agricultural uses.
The market for farms and agricultural land in Flanders is in flux. Every year, approximately 1.3% of Flemish farms cease operations, while demand for these unique properties continues to rise.
Characterful farms with space and authenticity are scarce in West Flanders. Buyers are actively looking for rural properties in the vicinity of Bruges, Torhout, Oostkamp, and Damme. Prices remain stable to rising for well-located farms.
At the same time, the Flemish government is working on new regulations concerning agricultural land. This makes timing crucial for owners who want to sell their farm.
Exceptional estate in Damme
Discover
An impressive cobblestone driveway leads to the house, which is discreetly nestled in the surrounding landscape. A place where large families and bon vivants can settle in effortlessly.
The estate also features horse stables, a fenced pasture, and its own heliport, which only reinforces the exceptional character of this property. This estate combines absolute tranquility and privacy with refined comfort and a unique location. A golden opportunity for those who expect the very best.
What will change for farm owners in Flanders?
The government is working on stricter frameworks for changes in the use of agricultural land.
Possible changes:
- Stricter conditions for conversion to residential use
- Mandatory spatial reduction when selling farms
- Financial contribution for changes in the use of agricultural land
- Protection of existing agricultural activities in the neighborhood
The good news? Farms that already have the correct zoning or are sold through the correct channels will remain valuable. In fact, increased scarcity may cause the price of your farm to rise further. However, this does require the right expertise in agricultural real estate.
Anyone selling their farm now can still benefit from the current framework before stricter conditions come into force. Demand for rural properties remains high, but new regulations could slow down or complicate future farm sales.
Lander Vandamme
Why now is the right time to sell your farm
This is an important turning point for owners of farms and agricultural land. Those who sell their farm now can still benefit from the current framework before stricter conditions come into force. Demand for rural properties remains high, but new regulations could slow down or complicate future farm sales.
