How profitable are Airbnb rentals in Belgium? (2026)

Running an Airbnb in Belgium in 2026 is possible, but requires navigating three regional rulebooks and increasingly strict enforcement.

This guide covers legal requirements, realistic earnings, and competition across Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia.

We constantly update this post with fresh data on housing prices and Airbnb performance in Belgium.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Belgium.

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Belgium. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

Can I legally run an Airbnb in Belgium in 2026?

Is short-term renting allowed in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is legally permitted in Belgium, but hosts must comply with specific regional rules in Brussels, Flanders, or Wallonia rather than a single national framework.

The main legal frameworks are the Brussels tourist accommodation registration system, the Flemish Lodging Decree (Vlaamse Logiesdecreet), and regional tourism regulations in Wallonia.

The most important requirement is registration with the appropriate regional authority before starting to rent, as operating unregistered is explicitly illegal in Brussels and subject to enforcement in Flanders.

Additional restrictions include urban planning certificates, safety standards, fire safety certificates, and building or co-ownership rules that may prohibit short-term rental use.

Penalties can include fines, forced closure, and back-payment of tourist taxes, with enforcement increasingly data-driven as platforms share host information under new EU regulations.

For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Belgium.

If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Belgium.

Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Belgium as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, Belgium has no nationwide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap, though Brussels defines tourist accommodation as stays between 1 and 90 days.

These rules don't differ by property type or residency status, but real restrictions come from registration requirements, urban planning permissions, and building co-ownership rules.

Since there's no formal cap, hosts don't need to track nights against a yearly limit, though they must maintain records for tax reporting and tourist tax collection.

Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Belgium right now?

Belgium doesn't require hosts to live in the property they rent, meaning secondary homes and investment properties can legally be used for short-term rentals in most cases.

Secondary home owners can operate short-term rentals provided the property is properly registered and meets regional safety and urban planning requirements.

The main condition for non-primary residences is obtaining an urban planning certificate in Brussels, which confirms permitted use and can be the real gatekeeper for eligibility.

There's no major legal distinction between renting a primary versus secondary home, though tax treatment may differ and some buildings have co-ownership rules restricting rental use.

Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Belgium right now?

Running multiple Airbnb listings under one name is legally possible in Belgium, as regional frameworks apply to both individuals and businesses.

Belgium doesn't impose a maximum number of properties one person can list, though scaling up increases regulatory exposure and scrutiny.

Hosts with multiple listings face the same requirements per property: each unit needs its own registration, safety certificates, and tourist tax reporting.

The main concern is ensuring full compliance across all properties, as enforcement is increasingly data-driven with platforms sharing host information under EU regulations.

Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Belgium as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, most Airbnb hosts in Belgium need to register their property as tourist accommodation with the regional authority, which functions as the de facto license requirement.

In Brussels, registration involves submitting an application with an urban planning certificate, fire safety attestation, and proof of insurance, with processing times varying by document completeness.

Required documents typically include proof of ownership or landlord permission, fire safety certificate, liability insurance, and urban planning certificate.

Registration costs are modest compared to potential fines, though hosts should budget for fire safety inspections and urban planning verification fees.

Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Belgium as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, Belgium has no explicit neighborhood bans or Airbnb-free zones, but practical restrictions emerge through urban planning permissions, building regulations, and co-ownership rules.

Areas facing strictest restrictions are dense historic cores like Brussels Pentagon, Bruges Binnenstad, and protected heritage zones where certificates are harder to obtain and complaints more common.

These zones face tighter scrutiny because housing scarcity is politically sensitive, historic preservation rules limit use changes, and concentrated tourism generates more enforcement attention.

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Belgium compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

How much can an Airbnb earn in Belgium in 2026?

What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for Airbnb in Belgium is approximately 110 euros (around 120 USD), while the median sits closer to 95 euros (105 USD) because high-end listings pull the average up.

The typical range covering 80% of listings falls between 65 and 180 euros (70 to 200 USD), with significant variation by location, size, and season.

The biggest factor affecting pricing is location, with tourist magnets like Bruges commanding rates 40 to 60% higher than comparable properties in Brussels or Antwerp.

By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Belgium.

How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary 25 to 40% around the national median, with Bruges Binnenstad averaging 140 to 160 euros (155 to 175 USD) and outer Brussels communes like Anderlecht averaging 70 to 85 euros (75 to 95 USD).

The three highest-priced neighborhoods are Bruges Binnenstad (140 to 160 euros), Brussels European Quarter (120 to 140 euros), and Brussels Sablon (115 to 135 euros).

Lower-priced areas include Brussels Schaerbeek (75 to 90 euros), Antwerp Borgerhout (70 to 85 euros), and Brussels Anderlecht (65 to 80 euros), though these still attract steady bookings from budget-conscious travelers prioritizing value.

What's the typical occupancy rate in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, typical occupancy for Airbnb in Belgium is approximately 59%, representing the annual average across all property types and locations.

The realistic range covering most listings falls between 45% and 70%, varying by location quality, listing optimization, and seasonality.

Belgium's 59% is roughly in line with Western European averages, though city markets like Brussels and Ghent perform slightly above at 62% due to steadier business and weekend demand.

The biggest factor affecting occupancy is listing quality and review velocity, as algorithms reward strong photos, quick responses, and positive reviews with better placement.

What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, average monthly revenue per Airbnb in Belgium is approximately 1,950 euros (2,150 USD), calculated from 110 euro nightly rate at 59% occupancy over 30 nights.

The realistic range covering 80% of listings falls between 1,200 and 3,200 euros (1,300 to 3,500 USD), depending on location, quality, and timing.

Top-performing listings can achieve 4,000 to 5,500 euros monthly, particularly in Bruges or Brussels European Quarter. A top 2-bedroom in Bruges at 160 euros with 75% occupancy generates roughly 3,600 euros before expenses.

Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Belgium.

What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue during low season (January-February) averages around 1,200 euros (1,300 USD), while high season (July-August) can bring 3,000 euros (3,300 USD) for the same property.

Low season runs primarily November through February, while high season peaks in July-August, with secondary peaks around Easter, Christmas markets, and major event weekends.

What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Belgium range from 700 to 1,300 euros (770 to 1,430 USD), excluding mortgage, covering platform fees, cleaning, utilities, supplies, insurance, and taxes.

Platform fees represent the largest expense, with Airbnb's host fee around 15% of revenue, translating to roughly 290 euros monthly on average revenue.

Hosts should expect to spend 35 to 65% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with Brussels hosts facing higher costs due to the tourist tax rising to 5 euros per night starting January 2026.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Belgium.

What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Belgium ranges from 650 to 1,250 euros (715 to 1,375 USD) before mortgage, translating to 22 to 42 euros per available night.

The range covering most listings falls between 400 and 1,800 euros (440 to 1,980 USD), varying by location, quality, and expense management.

Hosts typically achieve net profit margins of 30 to 55% after operating expenses, with better-optimized listings reaching the upper end.

Break-even occupancy is approximately 35 to 40%, meaning hosts need 11 to 12 booked nights monthly just to cover operating costs.

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Belgium, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Belgium versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.

How competitive is Airbnb in Belgium as of 2026?

How many active Airbnb listings are in Belgium as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, Belgium has approximately 39,800 active short-term rental listings, making it moderately competitive where quality and location differentiate successful hosts.

This number has grown steadily, reflecting continued investor interest despite tightening regulations, though growth has slowed as enforcement creates higher barriers to entry.

Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Belgium as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods are Brussels Pentagon, Ixelles near Flagey, Saint-Gilles around Parvis, Antwerp Historisch Centrum, Bruges Binnenstad, and Ghent Centrum.

These became saturated because they combine walkable attractions, good transport, and dining scenes that make them obvious choices for first-time hosts, creating intense competition for the same guest profile.

Undersaturated neighborhoods offering better opportunities include Brussels Forest, Schaerbeek near Josaphat Park, Antwerp Deurne, Ghent Sint-Amandsberg, and Bruges Sint-Andries, where lower competition means well-presented listings capture demand spillover.

What local events spike demand in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, main events spiking Airbnb demand include Tomorrowland (July), Rock Werchter (early July), Gentse Feesten (July), Belgian Grand Prix (late August), and Christmas markets (November-December).

During peak events, hosts see booking rates increase 30 to 60% and nightly prices rise 40 to 100%, with properties near venues commanding even higher premiums.

Smart hosts should adjust pricing and minimum stays 3 to 6 months before major events, as experienced travelers book early and waiting means missing the booking window.

What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, top-performing hosts achieve 70 to 75% occupancy through optimized listings, dynamic pricing, quick responses, and accumulated positive reviews.

Average hosts see around 59% occupancy, meaning top performers enjoy an 11 to 16 percentage point advantage that translates directly into higher revenue.

New hosts typically need 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer levels, as building reviews, improving listings, and optimizing pricing take time to compound.

We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Belgium.

Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Belgium right now?

The most crowded range is 80 to 140 euros (88 to 154 USD), where studios and 1-bedrooms cluster because lower acquisition costs make them accessible to first-time hosts.

White space exists at 160 to 220 euros for family-ready 2 to 3 bedrooms, and 250+ euros for premium corporate-ready units near Brussels European Quarter.

To compete in underserved segments, hosts need genuine dining space, full kitchens, washer-dryer access, dedicated workspaces, and quiet bedrooms away from street noise.

What property works best for Airbnb demand in Belgium right now?

What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Belgium as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, 1-bedroom properties get the most bookings in Belgium because they match the largest segment: solo travelers, couples, and business visitors.

Breakdown by bedroom count: 1-bedrooms capture roughly 40% of bookings, studios 20%, 2-bedrooms 25%, and 3+ bedrooms 15%.

1-bedrooms perform best because Belgium attracts high volumes of EU business travelers to Brussels, weekend couples to Ghent and Antwerp, and shorter-stay tourists to Bruges who prioritize location over space.

What property type performs best in Belgium in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, city center apartments perform best for consistent occupancy and revenue, while townhouses offer the best balance of occupancy and profit for hosts targeting families and groups.

Occupancy by type: apartments average 60 to 65%, townhouses 55 to 62%, detached houses 50 to 58%, and villas 45 to 55% with stronger seasonal variation.

Apartments outperform because Belgium's compact geography and excellent transport make central locations valuable, and the prevalence of weekend breaks and short business trips favors smaller, well-located units.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Belgium, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and the methods behind our estimates.

Source	Why it's authoritative	How we used it
Statbel House Price Index	Belgium's official statistics office, the gold standard for housing price trends.	We used it to anchor property price context. We also checked whether STR returns beat long-term holding costs.
Statbel Tourist Accommodations	Official nationwide demand data on nights in paid accommodation.	We used it to understand tourism demand and seasonality. We also used accommodation-type mix to frame residential STR demand.
Eurostat Tourism Statistics	EU's official statistics authority standardizing metrics across countries.	We used it to triangulate seasonality patterns. We also cross-checked that Statbel trends align with EU dynamics.
Eurostat House Price Index	Official EU-wide reference for comparable house price growth.	We used it to contextualize Belgium's market relative to the euro area. We also avoided Belgium-only tunnel vision on STR economics.
Brussels Economy and Employment	Brussels-Capital Region's official regulator for tourist accommodation.	We used it to define the legal baseline in Brussels. We also described the practical steps hosts face.
Brussels Economy and Employment FAQ	Official FAQ explaining rules for typical hosts in plain language.	We used it to define tourist accommodation (1-90 day stays). We also clarified what counts as short-term renting for compliance.
City of Brussels Registration	Official municipal page for registration process and certificates.	We used it to translate regional rules into practical steps. We also highlighted that private individuals are in scope.
Brussels Tourist Accommodation Tax	Official tax page for Brussels' tourist accommodation levy.	We used it to cost per-night tax into expenses. We also explained why enforcement changes net profit.
Brussels 2026 Higher Rates	Official notice with effective date and updated rates.	We used it to write "as of early 2026" accurately. We also used it in expense modeling with high confidence.
Toerisme Vlaanderen Logiesdecreet	Flemish government's official framework for tourist accommodation.	We used it to define compliance baseline in Flanders. We also explained tightening platform enforcement.
EUR-Lex EU STR Regulation	Official EU law database with the definitive legal text.	We used it to explain EU-wide registration and data sharing direction. We also justified why compliance tends to tighten.
PriceLabs Belgium	Professional STR analytics provider with clear methodology and coverage.	We used it for Belgium-wide estimates (listings, ADR, occupancy). We also used it as backbone for quantitative answers.
AirDNA Brussels	Major STR research provider used by investors globally.	We used it for Brussels city-level differences. We also triangulated PriceLabs' national picture with local reality.
AirDNA Antwerp	Consistent, comparable metrics across Belgian markets.	We used it for Antwerp's demand drivers. We also showed how returns differ from Brussels at similar occupancy.
AirDNA Bruges	Bruges is uniquely tourism-heavy with different pricing power.	We used it to quantify how tourist magnets change ADR. We also explained why regulation matters more in heritage cores.
AirDNA Ghent	Strong year-round city market behaving differently than seasonal towns.	We used it to triangulate typical city performance. We also checked that averages don't hide mid-market reality.
Airbnb Service Fee Policy	Airbnb's own policy update, primary source for fee structures.	We used it to model platform fees for January 2026. We also showed why hosts may need to re-price.
Airbnb Belgium Tax Guide	Consolidated tax explainer with Belgian tax concept references.	We used it to map tax categories and VAT triggers. We also used it as translation layer, checking against official sources.
Belgium.be Property Tax	Official Belgian government portal.	We used it to explain annual property tax for net profit context. We also kept the article realistic for owners.
ECB EUR/USD Exchange Rate	Official ECB reference for euro FX rates.	We used it to convert USD data to euros for January 2026. We also kept estimates consistent across providers.
National Bank of Belgium	Belgium's central bank with official, auditable datasets.	We used it to ground financing context. We also explained why leveraged deals are sensitive to occupancy dips.

We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Belgium. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.