Accommodation in Brussels

Expats looking for accommodation in Brussels shouldn’t have too many problems finding a place to live. As a city of neighbourhoods, the Belgian capital has a wide selection of options when it comes to areas and suburbs.

The main decision will be whether you opt to live in one of the city’s districts or an outlying suburb. The advantage of living in the city is proximity to your place of work and easy access to public transport. That said, most international schools are outside the city, so expats who opt to live here will have shorter school runs. In addition, properties in the suburbs are usually more affordable, though this comes at the cost of longer work commutes and in some cases, public transport links may not be as readily available.

Areas and suburbs in Brussels

Brussels is a city of diverse neighbourhoods called communes, each with its own local government authorities. Choosing where to live in the city depends very much on your work, study and family needs, with 19 distinct communes providing a variety of options.

Brussels City, known for its historical architecture and vibrant nightlife, appeals to downtown workers and students, although traffic congestion and scarce parking can be a challenge. Etterbeek, home to the European district and various shopping areas, offers affordability and good public transport access. Ixelles, with its theatres, shops and restaurants, is popular among singles, couples, and young families, but parking can be difficult.

Beyond the city centre, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre offers an abundance of green spaces and diverse housing options with good transport links. The commune is welcoming to foreigners and new arrivals. Finally, Watermael-Boitsfort, to the south of Brussels, is an increasingly sought-after residential area due to its easy access to the city and charming semi-rural housing amidst large portions of green spaces.

Read more about the Best Areas and Suburbs in Brussels.

Types of accommodation in Brussels

Furnished apartments are a rarity in Brussels and tend to be expensive. Most rental properties are unfurnished, requiring tenants to add essential items ranging from kitchen appliances to bedroom wardrobes and even light fittings. This can be initially inconvenient and costly but offers the chance for personalising the space. 

In contrast, furnished accommodations carry a higher price tag but offer the ease of a ready-to-live-in home, the choice of which largely depends on an expat's budget, duration of stay, and preference for personalisation.

Serviced apartments are more common in Brussels than in some other cities. They come fully furnished and include services such as cleaning, maintenance and sometimes even meal preparation. They are a convenient, though often pricier, option for short-term stays.

Finding accommodation in Brussels

Renting in Brussels is complicated because of strict legal requirements by landlords. It would be wise for expats to consult a professional to help them with the process, including the house hunt. Any relocation firm will do this, or an estate agency can be approached directly. 

Estate agents can be especially helpful for expats who don't speak any of the local languages. In Belgium, landlords are responsible for paying agency fees. Otherwise, property in Brussels can be found in local newspapers or listed on online property portals.

Useful links

• Immoweb
• Realo
• Vlan

Renting accommodation in Brussels

Making an application

Applying to rent a property in Brussels requires potential tenants to provide several documents, including proof of income, a copy of their passport, and sometimes a reference from a past landlord or employer. The rental market in Brussels can be competitive, so swift application submissions are crucial.

Leases and early termination

A standard residential lease in Belgium is a 'long-term lease' for nine years, also known as a '3-6-9 lease.' This lease can be broken with a three-month notice, and penalties apply only in the first three years. Short-term leases are also available for three years but cannot be broken early without the tenant being responsible for the remaining rent. 

Deposits and fees

The financial aspects of renting in Brussels involve paying the first month's rent upfront, a deposit of two or three months' rent and utilities, as these are generally not included in rental prices. The maximum legal deposit is three months' rent, refundable at the end of the lease if the property is undamaged.

See Accommodation in Belgium for more details about the rental process in Belgium.

Utilities in Brussels

When moving into a new home in Brussels, expats will need to take care of a few essential utilities such as electricity, gas, water, waste disposal, and telecommunications.

Electricity and gas

Electricity and gas in Brussels are deregulated, meaning residents can choose their providers. Providers such as Engie, TotalEnergies and Luminus offer a range of plans to suit various consumption levels and energy preferences. It's worth comparing the rates and services of different providers to find the best fit.

Water

Water in Brussels is provided by Vivaqua. After moving into a new home, expats should inform Vivaqua to establish a water account in their name. We recommend keeping an eye on usage, as water can be relatively expensive in Brussels compared to other European cities.

Waste and recycling

Waste disposal is a local government responsibility in Brussels. The city is divided into several zones, each with a specific collection schedule. ARP-GAN offers comprehensive guides to waste sorting and disposal. Recyclable materials such as paper, glass and plastics are collected separately, and adhering to the local waste disposal guidelines is essential.

Internet and phone

Telecommunications, including internet and phone services, are crucial for most expats. Brussels has a number of major telecom providers that offer a variety of packages. 

To better understand the options available, visit Keeping in Touch in Belgium.

Useful links

• Electricity: Engie, TotalEnergies, and Luminus
• Water: Vivaqua
• Waste and recycling: ARP-GAN