Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Belgium Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Belgium Property Pack
Yes, you can legally rent out property in Belgium as a foreigner in 2026, with no nationality restrictions on ownership or landlord status.
What makes Belgium unique is that rental regulations are handled at the regional level, meaning Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia each have their own rules you need to follow.
This article breaks down everything from realistic rental yields to tenant preferences, with fresh 2026 data and actual neighborhood recommendations.
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.
Insights
- Brussels rental vacancy sits between 1.5% and 3%, which explains why well-priced apartments in Belgium typically rent within 15 to 25 days of listing.
- Belgium taxes non-resident landlords on indexed cadastral income plus 40%, not actual rent received, often resulting in lower effective tax bills than expected.
- Energy-efficient properties with A or B ratings in Belgium command 15% to 25% higher rents than poorly insulated units, making EPC upgrades a smart investment.
- Brussels short-term rentals average 80% occupancy and 106 euros nightly rate, but only compliant registered properties can legally operate in early 2026.
- Furnished apartments in Belgium attract a 10% to 20% rent premium, translating to roughly 100 to 200 euros extra per month on a typical one-bedroom.
- The standard Belgian lease is 9 years by default, but tenants can leave after 3 or 6 years with three months notice under the regional housing codes.
- Net rental yields in Belgium typically fall between 2.5% and 4%, with Brussels and Liege offering the strongest returns among major cities.
- Security deposits in Belgium are capped at 2 months rent in Brussels, must be held in a blocked bank account, and must be returned within two months of lease end.
Can I legally rent out a property in Belgium as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, Belgium does not impose any nationality-based restrictions on foreigners who want to own and rent out residential property, meaning you have the same rights as Belgian citizens.
The most common ownership structure for foreigners holding rental property in Belgium is direct personal ownership through a standard notarial deed, though some investors also use Belgian or foreign holding companies for tax planning purposes.
The single most common limitation foreigners face in Belgium is not about ownership itself but rather understanding that rental regulations vary by region, so a property in Brussels follows different lease rules than one in Flanders or Wallonia.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Belgium.
Do I need residency to rent out in Belgium right now?
You do not need Belgian residency to rent out a property in Belgium, as non-residents can legally own and lease residential real estate while living abroad.
However, you will need a Belgian tax identification number because the FPS Finance requires non-residents with Belgian rental income to file an annual non-resident income tax return through the MyMinfin portal.
There is no legal requirement to have a Belgian bank account to collect rent, but in practice most landlords use an EU or Belgian IBAN to simplify standing orders, deposit handling, and payments to property managers.
Managing a rental property in Belgium entirely remotely is practically feasible, though most foreign landlords work with a local letting agent or property manager to handle tenant screening, inspections, repairs, and compliance with regional requirements.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Belgium in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting in Belgium typically offers more predictable and stable profits for individual foreign investors, while short-term rentals can generate higher gross income but come with more regulatory complexity and operational costs.
A well-managed long-term rental in Brussels might generate around 13,000 to 16,000 euros (approximately 13,600 to 16,700 USD) in annual net income after costs, while a compliant short-term rental in the same location could reach 20,000 to 25,000 euros (approximately 20,900 to 26,100 USD) but requires professional management and faces stricter regional rules.
Short-term renting tends to outperform long-term financially in tourism-heavy locations like Bruges, parts of central Brussels near Grand Place, and Ghent city center, where high visitor demand supports strong nightly rates and occupancy.
What's the average gross rental yield in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Belgium stands at approximately 4.2%, based on median purchase prices and rental rates across major cities.
The realistic gross rental yield range in Belgium spans from around 3% in premium areas like Bruges to 6% or slightly higher in cities like Brussels and Liege, depending on property type and neighborhood.
Studios and one-bedroom apartments typically achieve the highest gross rental yields in Belgium, often reaching 5% to 6% in Brussels and Liege, because their lower purchase prices relative to rent create better yield math than larger family units.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Belgium.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs for residential properties in Belgium typically falls between 2.5% and 3.5%, depending on location and property type.
The realistic net yield range that most Belgian landlords actually experience spans from around 2% in high-cost premium areas to 4% or slightly above in cities like Liege and parts of Brussels where purchase prices are lower relative to rents.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield specifically in Belgium are the annual property tax called precompte immobilier (which varies significantly by region and municipality based on cadastral income), condo or building charges for apartments (often the largest monthly expense including syndic fees, lift maintenance, and common utilities), and maintenance reserves for boiler servicing, facade work, and interior upkeep required by Belgian housing standards.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Belgium.
What monthly rent can I get in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Brussels are around 870 to 900 euros (910 to 940 USD) for a studio, approximately 1,100 euros (1,150 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment, and around 1,450 to 1,550 euros (1,520 to 1,620 USD) for a two-bedroom apartment.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Belgium ranges from 650 to 800 euros (680 to 840 USD) in cities like Liege, Charleroi, or outer Brussels communes, while central Brussels and Antwerp start higher at 800 to 950 euros (840 to 995 USD).
A typical mid-range one-bedroom apartment in Belgium rents for between 900 and 1,200 euros (940 to 1,255 USD) per month, with Brussels and Antwerp at the higher end and Walloon cities like Namur and Liege at the lower end.
A mid-to-high range two-bedroom apartment in Belgium typically rents for 1,300 to 1,700 euros (1,360 to 1,780 USD) per month, with premium Brussels communes like Ixelles and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre commanding the top of this range.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Belgium.
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.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Belgium in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated total all-in monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental apartment in Belgium ranges from 250 to 550 euros (260 to 575 USD), while a house without condo charges typically costs 200 to 500 euros (210 to 525 USD) per month.
A realistic low-to-high monthly cost range that covers most standard rental properties in Belgium spans from around 200 euros (210 USD) for a simple apartment in Wallonia with low charges to 600 euros (630 USD) or more for a Brussels apartment with high condo fees and professional management.
The single largest contributor to total monthly holding costs in Belgium is typically the condo or building charges for apartments, which cover shared expenses like the building manager (syndic), elevator maintenance, common area cleaning, and sometimes heating, often ranging from 150 to 350 euros per month depending on building amenities.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Belgium.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Belgium ranges from approximately 1.5% to 4%, with major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent experiencing the tightest conditions at the lower end of this range.
A landlord in Belgium should realistically budget for about 0.5 to 1 month of vacancy per year in prime city locations, or 1 to 2 months in secondary locations, because the private rental supply remains tight relative to demand in major employment and university centers.
The main factor that causes vacancy rates to differ across Belgian neighborhoods is proximity to public transport and employment hubs, as areas near metro stations, train stations, and EU institutions in Brussels consistently experience faster tenant turnover and shorter vacancy periods.
The highest tenant turnover and vacancy in Belgium typically occurs in late spring and early summer (May through July), when academic year endings, job changes, and lease renewals align to create the most active rental market period.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Belgium.
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Where do rentals perform best in Belgium in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Belgium are Ixelles in Brussels (driven by EU institutions and young professionals), Antwerp Zuid (combining culture, dining, and port-related employment), and Ghent city center (anchored by university and tech sector growth).
For families seeking long-term rentals in Belgium, the strongest demand concentrates in Uccle and the Woluwe communes in Brussels, Berchem and green-edge neighborhoods in Antwerp, and family belts around Ghent and Leuven with good international school access.
Student rental demand in Belgium is strongest in Heverlee and the inner ring of Leuven near KU Leuven, the student corridors around Ghent University in central Ghent, and pockets near ULB and VUB campuses in Ixelles and Etterbeek in Brussels.
Expats and international professionals drive the strongest rental demand in Etterbeek, Ixelles, and the Woluwe communes in Brussels due to proximity to EU institutions, international schools, and excellent public transport connections to the European Quarter.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Belgium.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Belgium are Anderlecht and parts of Schaerbeek in Brussels (reaching 5% to 6% gross), central Liege near Guillemins station (offering 5% to 6% gross), and Borgerhout in Antwerp (achieving 4.5% to 5.5% gross).
The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding Belgian neighborhoods typically spans from 4.5% to 6.5%, significantly above the national average of around 4.2%.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields than others in Belgium is that purchase prices have not yet caught up with rental demand, often because they are "next-ring" or improving areas where regeneration is underway but property values remain below prime locations.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Belgium.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Belgium are Woluwe-Saint-Pierre in Brussels (around 1,400 euros or 1,465 USD for a one-bedroom), Uccle in Brussels (around 1,350 euros or 1,415 USD), and Ixelles near Avenue Louise and Châtelain (around 1,300 euros or 1,360 USD).
The typical monthly rent range for a standard apartment in these premium Belgian neighborhoods spans from 1,200 to 1,800 euros (1,255 to 1,885 USD) for a one-bedroom and 1,800 to 2,500 euros (1,885 to 2,615 USD) for a two-bedroom.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command the highest rents in Belgium is their combination of green spaces, excellent international schools, safe residential character, and convenient transport links to the EU Quarter, which appeals specifically to high-income international households.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Belgian neighborhoods includes senior EU officials, diplomats, international lawyers, corporate executives on expatriate packages, and families seeking proximity to schools like the European School or British School of Brussels.
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.
What do tenants actually want in Belgium in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Belgium are strong energy performance (PEB/EPC A or B rating), private outdoor space like a balcony or terrace, and secure bike storage or parking, all of which reflect the Belgian focus on energy costs, outdoor living, and cycling culture.
A good energy rating (PEB A or B) adds an estimated 10% to 15% rent premium in Belgium, translating to roughly 80 to 150 euros extra per month on a typical Brussels apartment, because tenants know their heating bills will be significantly lower.
One commonly overrated feature that Belgian landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is high-end designer finishes or luxury kitchen appliances, as most Belgian tenants prioritize practical energy efficiency and location over premium aesthetics.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for landlords in Belgium is improving the property's EPC rating through better insulation, double glazing, or a modern condensing boiler, as these upgrades often pay back through higher rents within a few years.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Belgium typically rent 1 to 2 weeks faster than unfurnished units in Brussels and university cities, primarily because expats on short-term contracts and international students value the convenience of move-in-ready accommodation.
Furnished apartments in Belgium command a typical rent premium of 10% to 20% over unfurnished equivalents, translating to roughly 100 to 200 euros extra per month on a standard one-bedroom in Brussels.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Belgium right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Belgium right now?
Landlords in Belgium can generally set initial rent prices freely when signing a new lease, as there is no strict rent control on starting rents in the private market, though Brussels introduced an indicative rent scale in 2025 that creates soft pressure to stay within reference ranges.
After the lease starts, rent increases in Belgium are regulated and limited to annual indexation based on the health index, which typically adds 2% to 4% per year depending on inflation, and landlords cannot include above-inflation increases in the contract.
What's the standard lease length in Belgium right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Belgium is 9 years by default for principal-residence leases, though shorter formats (1-year, 3-year, or student leases) are also permitted under regional rules.
The maximum security deposit a landlord can legally require in Belgium is 2 months' rent in Brussels (capped by the Brussels Housing Code), and similar caps of 2 to 3 months apply in Flanders and Wallonia depending on deposit structure.
At the end of a tenancy in Belgium, the security deposit must be returned within two months after the tenant returns the keys, and if the landlord fails to do so without legal proceedings, they face a penalty of 10% of the monthly rent for each month of delay.
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 does short-term renting really work in Belgium in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Belgium right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Belgium, but the rules vary significantly by region, with Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia each having their own registration and compliance requirements for tourist accommodation.
In Brussels, you need to register your property with regional authorities and obtain a tourist accommodation registration number before legally operating a short-term rental, a process handled through the Brussels Economy and Employment portal.
There are currently no universal night limits in Belgium, but Brussels and Flemish municipalities can impose local restrictions, and building regulations or co-ownership rules may also limit short-term rental activity in specific properties.
The most common penalty for operating an unlicensed or non-compliant short-term rental in Belgium is administrative fines, which can reach several thousand euros in Brussels, along with potential removal of listings from platforms that enforce registration requirements.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Belgium.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average annual occupancy rate for professionally managed short-term rentals in Belgium ranges from approximately 55% to 75%, with Brussels and tourism hotspots like Bruges at the higher end.
The realistic occupancy range that most short-term rentals experience in Belgium spans from around 40% for entry-level or poorly located properties to 80% or higher for well-managed listings in prime city locations.
The highest occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Belgium typically occur from May through October, with peak months in summer (June through August) and a secondary spike during December for Christmas market season in Brussels and Bruges.
The lowest occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Belgium typically occur in January through March, when tourism drops significantly after the holiday season and business travel is relatively quiet.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Belgium.
What's the average nightly rate in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Belgium ranges from approximately 95 to 140 euros (100 to 145 USD), with Brussels averaging around 106 euros and Bruges commanding higher rates due to tourism demand.
The realistic nightly rate range that covers most short-term rental listings in Belgium spans from around 70 euros (73 USD) for basic apartments in secondary cities to 180 euros (188 USD) or more for well-located, well-furnished properties in Bruges or central Brussels.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season (summer and Christmas market period) and off-season (January through March) in Belgium is approximately 30 to 50 euros (31 to 52 USD), with peak rates often 25% to 40% higher than winter lows.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Belgium in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Belgium is moderately competitive but not fully saturated, with the more important dynamic being regulatory filtering that removes non-compliant listings from the effective supply.
The trend in active short-term rental listings in Belgium has been relatively stable, with Brussels maintaining around 4,500 to 5,500 active Airbnb listings, though enforcement pressure means only compliant properties will remain operational long-term.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Belgium include the historic center of Bruges, the Grand Place area in Brussels, and parts of central Ghent, where high listing density creates significant competition for guests.
Neighborhoods in Belgium that still have room for new short-term rental supply include emerging areas of Brussels like Schaerbeek and Saint-Gilles, parts of Antwerp near the port district, and smaller Walloon cities like Namur and Liege where tourist accommodation remains underdeveloped.
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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 explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium.be official portal | It's the Belgian government's main public information website. | We used it to explain how annual property tax is calculated based on cadastral income. We referenced it to size the owner-only holding costs landlords must budget. |
| Brussels-Capital Region housing portal | It's the official Brussels regional government housing guidance. | We used it to confirm rent is freely set at signing and the 9-year lease default. We referenced it for security deposit rules and tenant rights. |
| Statbel rent calculator | Statbel is Belgium's national statistics office. | We used it to explain rent indexation mechanics and regional rule differences. We referenced it for health index calculations. |
| FPS Finance | It's Belgium's federal tax authority. | We used it to confirm non-resident tax filing requirements. We referenced it for rental income taxation rules. |
| Global Property Guide | It's a methodology-explicit rental yield dataset updated biannually. | We used it to estimate gross yields across Belgian cities. We converted gross to net using Belgian cost data. |
| Federia rental barometer | It's a nationwide barometer built from registered private leases. | We used it to anchor Brussels and Wallonia rent levels by unit type. We triangulated realistic 2026 rent expectations. |
| CIB Huurbarometer | It's a major real estate network publishing data-driven dashboards. | We used it to cross-check Federia figures and anchor Flanders benchmarks. We avoided relying on a single rent dataset. |
| Brussels Economy and Employment | It's the Brussels authority controlling tourist accommodation registration. | We used it to explain short-term rental registration requirements. We referenced it for Airbnb compliance in Brussels. |
| Toerisme Vlaanderen | It's the official Flemish tourism authority. | We used it to anchor Flanders short-term rental framework. We explained why registration is increasingly enforced. |
| Airbtics | It's a short-term rental analytics platform tracking Airbnb data. | We used it for Brussels occupancy and nightly rate estimates. We referenced it for STR revenue projections. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Belgium. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.