Property developer Matexi’s plans to build 20 detached homes on the former British School of Brussels’ (BSB) sports grounds continue to face opposition, nearly three years after the project was formally announced in 2023. Critics argue the development would result in the loss of valuable green space in one of Tervuren’s most sought-after residential areas.

Opponents have also raised concerns about increased traffic, potential flooding risks and what they describe as the gradual erosion of Tervuren’s remaining semi-rural character.

For many residents, the Matexi proposal has come to symbolise wider concerns about urban expansion and the prospect of a more continuous built-up corridor stretching from Brussels towards Tervuren.

Burgemeester Thomas Geyns (Anders, Voor Tervuren)c

At the latest town council meeting, Tervuren Mayor Thomas Geyns (Anders voor Tervuren) sought to dampen the controversy, arguing that the council was not the appropriate forum to discuss an individual planning application while it remained subject to environmental and administrative review.

“This council should debate policy principles, not individual permit applications,” Geyns said. The mayor also rejected suggestions that the site had recently been rezoned to facilitate the housing development.

“This has been residential land since the regional zoning plans of the 1970s,” he told councillors. “There has been no change of designation,” said Geyns.

Geyns also serves as alderman responsible for urban planning (stedenbouw). He has continued his legal practice, including representing clients before Belgium’s Court for Permit Disputes. That comes despite comments made to Flemish broadcaster VRT after the 2024 elections that he would not be combining the mayoralty with other professional activities.

The latest council debate over the Matexi project highlighted broader political tensions over the future of housing and land development in Tervuren.

Groen councillor Bram Peters, who owns a recently built home on former municipal land, challenged the mayor’s assertion that the executive had limited knowledge of the proposal. Peters argued that major developments affecting large numbers of residents warranted public discussion. He served as Tervuren’s alderman for spatial planning until December 2024.

The debate was initiated by Tervuren Unie-Volt councillor Tracey D’Afters, who read a prepared list of questions for around 10 minutes.

Council chairman Mario Van Rossum praised the level of detail in her intervention before advising councillors to avoid reading lengthy prepared texts in future.

“I think you are losing the attention of the council members,” he said.

Van Rossum, who has served on the town council for more than 40 years, also works as an adviser to former mayor Jan Spooren, now governor of Flemish Brabant. Provincial authorities play a role in handling planning-related appeals. Spooren is also the spouse of alderwoman Annemie Spaas, responsible for Flemish character and education.

The latest planning dispute follows a ruling by Belgium’s Council of State, which struck down a key element of Tervuren’s planning framework aimed at protecting open space and preserving the municipality’s semi-rural character.

More permissive planning policies in previous decades contributed to population growth from 15,261 residents in 1970 to 20,181 in 2000, increasing municipal revenues but also placing greater pressure on traffic through the town centre’s narrow streets.

Tervuren’s population now stands at 23,179. According to official figures, 45% of residents are of non-Belgian origin, compared with 29% in 2000.

🏡 Tervuren housing market · 2026 FAQ

Prices, trends & tip in Belgium’s sixth most expensive municipality

📍 Prime Brussels commuter belt — Tervuren remains one of Flemish Brabant’s most sought‑after municipalities. Demand from international families & proximity to the British School keep prices among the highest in the region. Below we answer the most frequent questions based on early 2026 listings.
1 How much does a typical family home cost in Tervuren right now?
Based on current listings in 2026, a standard 4‑5 bedroom family home in Tervuren costs between €700,000 and €1,100,000+. For example, a 233 m² semi‑detached villa built in 2009 with a “B” energy rating is listed at €725,000.
2 Why is Tervuren more expensive than neighboring Overijse?
Tervuren commands a premium due to two main factors: proximity to Brussels and access to international schools (particularly the British School of Brussels). While Overijse offers entry‑level homes from €450,000, Tervuren’s entry point is significantly higher because older or smaller properties are rare and demand from expat families remains strong.
3 How does Tervuren compare to Wezembeek‑Oppem?
Tervuren has a higher minimum entry price (€700,000 vs. €550,000 in Wezembeek‑Oppem). However, Wezembeek‑Oppem has a wider price spread, ranging from €550,000 for a home needing updates to over €1.2 million for a luxury new‑build. Tervuren’s market is more consistently high‑end, with fewer fixer‑upper opportunities.
4 What kind of house can I get for €725,000 in Tervuren?
At this price point, you can expect a modern, energy‑efficient home (like the example “B” rated villa from 2009). Typically, this buys a semi‑detached villa of around 230 m² with 5 bedrooms, rather than a large detached estate. A detached villa with a large garden within walking distance of top schools would cost closer to €1,090,000.
5 Are energy ratings affecting prices in Tervuren?
Yes. Homes with strong energy ratings, such as the “B” rated villa at €725,000, are selling quickly and holding their value. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing efficiency, which means lower‑rated homes are discounted, while “A” or “B” rated properties command a premium over similar‑sized unrenovated homes.
6 Is Tervuren affordable for first‑time buyers or small families?
It is very challenging. With standard homes starting at €700,000, Tervuren is largely out of reach for first‑time buyers unless they purchase an apartment. Apartments start lower, at around €350,000 to €500,000. Most buyers in Tervuren are relocating families, international professionals, or those selling a property in Brussels to upsize.
7 Are prices still rising in Tervuren?
Yes. As of 2026, high‑end municipalities in the Brussels commuter belt — including Tervuren — are seeing estimated annual price growth of 5% to 8%. Demand remains strong from professionals seeking space, greenery, and good schools, while the supply of family‑sized homes is limited.
€700k–1.1M+
Tervuren (4‑5 bed family home)
€550k–1.2M+
Wezembeek‑Oppem
€450k–750k+
Overijse
📊 Based on early 2026 listings (Immoweb, Zimmo) & notary benchmarks. Actual prices depend on exact location, energy score & renovations.
🗞️ Data prepared for Tervuren+

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