HOUSE HUNT. Hemiksem, a quiet village along the Scheldt River near Antwerp.

Ben Vangoethem, Altro Hemiksem, speaks

South of the Antwerp metropolitan area lies Hemiksem, a municipality with a population of approximately 12,000. It is the ideal location for people who want to live close to the city but also enjoy a green, peaceful environment. Thanks to the train station and the water bus, Hemiksem is also easily accessible by public transportation.

“Hemiksem’s location between Antwerp and Brussels, with easy access to the A12 and E19, is a major asset,” says real estate agent Ben Vangoethem of Altro Vastgoed. “This makes it an attractive option for many people who work in either city but don’t want to live in the hustle and bustle of the city itself.”

“In recent years, the municipality has certainly been focusing on ‘green’ initiatives, such as Park Den Akker on Hemixveer and, in the future, the beautiful Park Aan De Stroom on the redeveloped Bekaert site. For residents with children, it’s also a plus that there are three schools available.”

Everyone wants to live here…

Vangoethem highlights the Bloemenwijk neighborhood as a hotspot, with streets such as Tulpenlaan, Azaleaweg, and Begoniaweg. “As has been the case for many years, the Bloemenwijk is very popular among new residents of Hemiksem. Here you’ll find spacious homes on attractive lots of about 500 square meters. The only downside is that some of the houses still need to be renovated to suit your own taste.”

...but this is an interesting alternative

According to Vangoethem, another popular project is the new development Park Aan De Stroom, which is being built on the former Bekaert site. “Since sales began, we’ve noticed that this project is also proving extremely popular with potential residents. This is due to its unique location, right next to the Scheldt, combined with the park being developed on the site. Sales are going quite smoothly.”

THE PRICE

€100,000–€300,000: older (row) houses

“For homes in this price range, you’re better off looking at a renovation,” says Vangoethem.

€300,000–€600,000: move-in ready home

“Homes in this price range are usually move-in ready. That said, some finishing touches may still be needed here and there. The price also often depends on the number of bedrooms.”

Over 600,000 euros: exceptional real estate

“You might occasionally come across properties priced at 600,000 euros or more, but they’re definitely in the minority in Hemiksem.”