On 12 February 2026, the new Government of the Brussels-Capital Region adopted its Regional Policy Declaration (RPD).
For real estate stakeholders, the message is clear: simplification of procedures, faster permitting processes, and a structural reform of the urban planning framework.
Below is our analysis of the measures that will directly impact your projects.
1. An ambitious objective: reducing permit processing times
The flagship measure of the reform concerns the reduction of the time required to obtain urban planning permits.
The Government has set an ambitious target: to halve current processing times and, for standard applications, reach an average duration of around six months by the end of the legislative term.
To achieve this, several procedural adjustments are announced:
- the time allowed for verifying the completeness of applications will be significantly shortened;
- the administration will be required to list all missing documents at once and will no longer be able to carry out a qualitative assessment at the admissibility stage.
This intention to limit procedural back-and-forth is designed to provide greater predictability for project developers.
Project meetings will also be more strictly regulated, with binding deadlines and an obligation to formally record a clear consensus in written minutes. The aim is to secure projects at an early stage and to avoid changes in position during the examination process.
Lastly, public inquiries will be streamlined. The suspension of public inquiries during school holidays will be abolished, and the number of applications submitted to the consultation committee for simple permits will be reduced. The Government thus seeks to limit mechanisms that unnecessarily prolong procedures.
2. A far-reaching reform of the urban planning framework
Beyond procedural adjustments, the Declaration confirms a structural reform of the Brussels regulatory framework. The Brussels Town and Country Planning Code (CoBAT/BWRO), the Regional Urban Planning
The Regional Town Planning regulation (RRU/GSV) and the Regional Land Use Plan (PRAS/GPB) will also be revised.
The stated objective is twofold: to adapt the rules to current demographic and environmental realities, while improving the readability and coherence of the system. A clarification of responsibilities between the Region and the municipalities is also announced.
Large-scale or “supramunicipal” projects will primarily fall under regional competence, while smaller-scale projects will increasingly be handled at municipal level. This redistribution may significantly affect filing and permitting strategies.
3. The Single Urban Planning Amnesty Declaration (SUPAD)
One of the most notable innovations is the creation of a Single Urban Planning Amnesty Declaration.
This temporary mechanism, valid until 2029, will allow for the simplified regularisation of certain urban planning infringements that meet predefined criteria of proper spatial planning.
In practical terms, a streamlined application may be submitted and, upon payment of a flat-rate indemnity, the infringement may be regularised within an announced timeframe of thirty days.
For owners and investors holding assets affected by historic or minor irregularities, this tool could represent a significant strategic opportunity.
4. Towards integrated permits and a restructured administration
The Declaration also provides, where appropriate, for the merger of the urban planning permit and the environmental permit into a single integrated permit. The aim is to avoid parallel procedures and to enhance the coherence of decisions.
At institutional level, planning and permitting competences will be brought together within a restructured entity, resulting in particular from the merger of the regional planning service (perspective.brussels) and the regional urban planning service (urban.brussels). This centralisation is intended to improve internal coordination and decision-making consistency. As with any major administrative reform, a transitional phase is to be expected and will require close monitoring.
5. Housing: access, reconversion and innovative tools
With regard to housing, the Region confirms its intention to continue supporting the conversion of office buildings into housing, in line with policies pursued in recent years. This remains a key lever to address pressure on the residential market.
A system of voluntary rent agreements based on reference rents may also be developed, combined with incentives for participating property owners. Striking the right balance between market attractiveness and regulation will be a key issue.
In addition, the Region announces the development of innovative financial instruments to facilitate access to home ownership, such as the splitting of real property rights or specific loan mechanisms. These tools may influence the structuring of certain real estate transactions in the years ahead.
6. Spatial planning: targeted decisions on specific sites
The Declaration also contains strong decisions concerning several strategic sites.
A temporary development freeze is introduced for certain areas that will be reassessed at a later stage.
These include the Josaphat, Meylemeersch, Keyenbempt and Bois du Calevoet sites.
Conversely, other sites are explicitly designated as protected green areas, namely the Wiels, Avijl and Donderberg sites.
These choices will have direct consequences for the operators concerned and reflect the Government’s intention to more closely align environmental considerations with urban planning.
Our assessment
The new Regional Policy Declaration marks a shift towards greater pragmatism in urban planning and real estate matters. The intention to reduce processing times, simplify procedures and secure projects at an early stage sends a positive signal to investors and developers active in Brussels.
The success of these ambitions will nevertheless depend on their concrete implementation, in a context of budgetary constraints and significant administrative reform. The transitional phase will be decisive.
We remain, of course, at your disposal to analyse the specific impact of these measures on your ongoing or planned projects.
Do not hesitate to contact Manuela von Kuegelgen or Céline Moreau for a tailored analysis and bespoke support.
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This newsletter does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Please consult with a legal counsel of your choice before taking any action based on the information provided.