Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Belgium Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Brussels' property market is included in our pack
Thinking about running an Airbnb in Brussels? The Belgian capital attracts millions of visitors yearly as the de facto EU capital and a cultural hotspot.
Here, we break down the legal requirements, realistic earnings, expenses, and competition in the Brussels short-term rental market for 2026.
We constantly update this post with fresh data, so you always have accurate information.
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 Brussels.
Insights
- Brussels Airbnb hosts collect roughly 2,400 euros monthly in gross revenue, but the new tourist tax (5 euros per night from January 2026) cuts into net profit, and older calculators miss this.
- About 88% of Brussels Airbnb guests are international travelers, meaning your listing visibility on global search results matters far more than local marketing.
- One-bedroom apartments dominate Brussels bookings because the city draws mostly couples and solo business travelers rather than large family groups.
- Top-performing hosts achieve 15 to 20 percentage points higher occupancy than average hosts, translating to 400 to 600 euros more monthly revenue.
- Brussels has no annual night cap like Amsterdam or Paris, but the 1-to-90 consecutive day rule applies, so you cannot offer stays longer than three months.
- The most saturated price bracket sits between 90 and 140 euros per night, so hosts targeting 150 to 180 euros with premium amenities face less competition.
- Enforcement of unlicensed rentals intensified in central Brussels since May 2025, with the City actively inspecting and fining non-compliant operators.
- Properties near the European Quarter (Schuman, Jourdan, Etterbeek) attract longer stays and more weeknight bookings from EU-related business travelers.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Brussels in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is allowed in Brussels under the "tourist accommodation" framework, requiring compliance with regional and municipal rules before listing.
The main legal framework is the Brussels-Capital Region ordinance on tourist accommodation (in place since 2014, updated through 2024), requiring all hosts to register with Brussels Economy and Employment before accepting guests.
The most important condition: you must obtain a registration number, whether you rent occasionally or frequently, and even if it's your primary residence.
You also need fire safety certification (or simplified inspection for smaller units), civil liability insurance, and often an urban planning compliance certificate from your commune.
Operating without registration is illegal, and fines are substantial, especially as enforcement has intensified since May 2025 in central Brussels.
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 Brussels as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Brussels has no minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap like Amsterdam or Paris, but the tourist accommodation framework covers rentals from 1 night up to 90 consecutive days.
These rules apply uniformly regardless of property type or host residency status: studios, apartments, townhouses, and houses all require registration whether you live there or not.
Registration applies even if you rent for less than four months per year, eliminating any "occasional host" exemption.
Stays longer than 90 consecutive days fall outside tourist accommodation rules and into regular residential rental regulations.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Brussels right now?
You do not have to live in the property: Brussels rules apply equally to primary residences, secondary homes, and investment properties.
Secondary home owners can legally operate short-term rentals, provided they complete the same registration and compliance steps as all hosts.
No additional permits exist specifically for non-primary residence rentals, but you still need standard registration plus commune-level certificates.
One caveat: Brussels' housing code can flag properties vacant for over 12 months, so if you're not actively renting or occupying your secondary home, you may face unrelated scrutiny.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Brussels
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Brussels right now?
You can operate multiple listings as a single operator, but each property must have its own separate registration number.
Brussels sets no maximum on properties one person or entity can list, so you can scale as large as resources allow, provided every unit is individually registered.
Each address needs its own file with Brussels Economy and Employment, its own fire safety certificate, and its own insurance.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Brussels as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, you need tourist accommodation registration from Brussels Economy and Employment, applying to both private individuals and businesses.
The process involves submitting a file, obtaining fire safety certification (full certificate for larger properties, simplified inspection for units under 10 guests), and securing civil liability insurance.
For fire safety, you need recent inspection certificates for electrical, gas, and heating installations from a recognized body (dated within two years), or for larger properties, a Brussels Fire Department visit.
The urban planning certificate costs 320 euros per application in the City of Brussels; fire safety certificates must be renewed every five years.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Brussels as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Brussels has no formal neighborhood bans, but practical restrictions exist at building and commune levels.
Areas with the most difficulty: central Brussels (Pentagon, Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine), Ixelles (Flagey, Chatelain), and Saint-Gilles, where enforcement is higher and co-ownership agreements often prohibit short-term rentals.
These zones feel restricted due to stricter urban planning scrutiny, active enforcement since May 2025, and buildings where co-ownership rules forbid tourist rentals.
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 Brussels in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the median nightly price for Brussels Airbnb listings is approximately 105 euros (110 USD), while the average is closer to 125 euros (130 USD) due to higher-priced entire homes.
The typical range covering 80% of listings falls between 85 and 175 euros (90 to 185 USD), with studios at the low end and multi-bedroom properties at the top.
Location has the biggest impact on pricing: proximity to the city center (Grand-Place) or European Quarter (Schuman, Jourdan) adds 30 to 50 euros per night versus outer communes.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Brussels.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary by 70 to 90 euros (75 to 95 USD) between the priciest neighborhoods like the Pentagon (Grand-Place) and lower-priced areas like Schaerbeek or Anderlecht.
Highest prices: Pentagon/City Centre (140 to 170 euros), Ixelles near Flagey/Avenue Louise (120 to 150 euros), and Etterbeek near the European Quarter (115 to 140 euros).
Lowest prices: outer Schaerbeek (80 to 95 euros), Anderlecht (75 to 90 euros), and Molenbeek (70 to 85 euros), though these areas still attract budget-conscious and longer-stay guests.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical occupancy for Brussels Airbnb listings is around 65%, or roughly 19 to 20 booked nights monthly for well-managed listings.
The realistic range spans 50% for less optimized properties to 75% for top performers, with the median at 58 to 60%.
Brussels outperforms the Belgian national average due to year-round business travel and institutional activity, though it trails Bruges during summer peak season.
Proximity to metro or tram nodes has the biggest impact on achieving above-average occupancy, as guests prioritize transit access.
Don't sign a document you don't understand in Brussels
Buying a property over there? We have reviewed all the documents you need to know. Stay out of trouble - grab our comprehensive guide.
What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, average monthly gross revenue per Brussels Airbnb listing is approximately 2,400 euros (2,550 USD), based on 125 euros nightly and 65% occupancy.
The realistic range covering 80% of listings: 1,700 to 3,200 euros (1,800 to 3,400 USD), with studios at the low end and prime-location multi-bedrooms at the top.
Top performers achieve 3,500 to 4,500 euros monthly (3,700 to 4,800 USD), typically multi-bedroom properties near the city center or EU Quarter with 75%+ occupancy. A two-bedroom at 150 euros with 80% occupancy generates around 3,600 euros.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Brussels.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, low-season revenue ranges from 1,400 to 2,000 euros (1,500 to 2,100 USD), while high-season months generate 2,900 to 4,200 euros (3,100 to 4,500 USD).
Low season: mid-January through February and July-August (EU recess). High season: September-October, late November through December (Winter Wonders), and spring conference season (March-May).
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, monthly operating expenses range from 1,050 to 2,250 euros (1,100 to 2,400 USD), depending on property size, turnover, and management approach.
Largest expense: cleaning and laundry at 250 to 650 euros monthly, followed by utilities and internet at 200 to 350 euros.
Expect to spend 40 to 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, leaving 45 to 60% as net profit before mortgage and taxes.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Brussels.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net operating profit is approximately 900 euros (950 USD), with profit per available night around 30 euros, before mortgage and income taxes.
The realistic range: 200 to 1,400 euros monthly (210 to 1,500 USD), depending on location, efficiency, and whether you self-manage or pay for management.
Net profit margins typically fall between 35 and 45%, though self-managing hosts can push margins to 50% by minimizing costs.
Break-even occupancy: around 40 to 45%, meaning roughly 12 to 14 booked nights monthly just to cover expenses.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Brussels, 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 Brussels as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Brussels as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 5,200 active Airbnb listings in Brussels, though sources report 4,700 to 5,600 depending on how "active" is defined.
This number has grown 5 to 10% annually over the past three years, though enforcement in central Brussels has slowed growth in tourist-heavy communes.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Brussels as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, most saturated: Pentagon/City Centre (Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine, Dansaert), Ixelles (Flagey, Chatelain, Avenue Louise), Saint-Gilles (Parvis area), and Etterbeek near the European Quarter.
These areas combine tourist foot traffic, EU business demand, excellent transit, and photogenic older buildings.
Undersaturated opportunities: parts of Schaerbeek (Meiser, Josaphat), Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (near Montgomery), and Forest (near Brussels-Midi), where lower competition meets decent transit.
What local events spike demand in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, main demand spikes: Winter Wonders Christmas market (late November through early January), EU summits and institutional meetings, Brussels Expo/Heysel events, and spring festival season.
During peak events, bookings increase 20 to 40% and rates rise 15 to 30%, with some hosts selling out two to three months ahead.
Adjust pricing at least four to six weeks before major events; set alerts for EU summit announcements as these generate short-notice spikes.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top hosts achieve 70 to 75% occupancy, roughly 15 to 20 percentage points higher than average hosts at 55 to 60%.
This gap means 4 to 6 extra booked nights monthly, translating to 400 to 750 euros more revenue for top performers.
New hosts typically take 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer levels, assuming they optimize listings, respond quickly, enable instant booking, and use dynamic pricing.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Brussels.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Brussels right now?
Most crowded: 90 to 140 euros (95 to 150 USD), where studios and one-bedrooms in central communes compete heavily.
White space: 150 to 180 euros (160 to 190 USD), with less competition but strong demand from business travelers, families, and guests seeking premium amenities.
Winning characteristics for this segment: dedicated workspace, reliable high-speed wifi, quiet interior, two or more bedrooms, and proximity to the EU Quarter or major transit.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Brussels
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What property works best for Airbnb demand in Brussels right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Brussels as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom apartments get the most bookings, followed by studios, then two-bedrooms.
Estimated breakdown: studios (25%), one-bedrooms (35%), two-bedrooms (25%), three-bedrooms or larger (15%), though larger units command higher total revenue per booking.
One-bedrooms perform best because Brussels attracts mostly couples and solo business travelers who want privacy and space at prices below two-bedroom alternatives.
What property type performs best in Brussels in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments and condos perform best, offering the most consistent year-round occupancy and best revenue-to-complexity ratio.
Occupancy breakdown: apartments/condos (65%), duplexes (60 to 65%), townhouses (55 to 60%), houses (50 to 55%), though houses can achieve higher nightly rates that partially offset lower occupancy.
Apartments outperform because Brussels demand centers on short city breaks and business travel, where guests prioritize location and transit over space.
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 Brussels, 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.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels Economy and Employment - Registration | Official Brussels-Capital Region administration running the tourist accommodation registration system. | We confirmed that unregistered tourist accommodation is illegal. We also anchored what "tourist accommodation" means for hosts. |
| Brussels Economy and Employment - Host FAQ | Official explainer page aimed at Airbnb and Booking.com hosts. | We confirmed the 1-to-90 day rule and that registration applies to primary residences. We explained the per-property registration requirement. |
| Brussels-Capital Region - Starting Tourist Accommodation | Official regional government process page listing required steps and documents. | We detailed what hosts must file: insurance, fire safety, urban planning certificates. We structured the licensing section. |
| City of Brussels - Register Tourist Accommodation | Official City of Brussels guidance for hosts in the central municipality. | We showed concrete steps for central Brussels hosts, including the 320 euro fee. We supported the enforcement message. |
| Brussels Fiscality - Tourist Tax 2026 | Official Brussels tax authority with exact 2026 rates. | We priced the per-night tax correctly (5 euros standard, 4 euros homestays). We included it in profit calculations. |
| Statbel - House Price Index | Belgium's official statistical office with reproducible housing indices. | We understood housing price trends going into 2026. We set realistic acquisition cost expectations. |
| Statbel - Tourist Accommodations | Official national series for overnight stays in paid accommodations. | We anchored demand context and tourism volume. We validated STR demand against broader accommodation activity. |
| Visit Brussels - Q2 2025 Report | Official destination marketing body with documented estimation methods. | We understood seasonality and overnight stay scale. We triangulated STR presence via platform notes. |
| ECB Data Portal - Belgium Mortgage Rates | European Central Bank with standardized interest rate series. | We framed financing feasibility. We justified treating financing costs separately from operating profit. |
| National Bank of Belgium - MIR Update | Belgium's central bank and primary domestic financial statistics publisher. | We provided a second reference for interest rates. We cross-checked "mortgage rates stabilized" narratives. |
| AirDNA - Brussels Overview | Widely used STR analytics firm with transparent ADR, occupancy, and revenue definitions. | We used it for pricing and occupancy estimates. We cross-checked other datasets to avoid cherry-picking. |
| Airbtics - Brussels Revenue Data | Airbnb analytics provider for STR investors. | We used it as our primary anchor for ADR (106 euros) and annual revenue. We validated listing counts and occupancy. |
| AirROI - Brussels Market Report | STR market analysis with performance metrics and percentile breakdowns. | We understood the gap between top and average hosts. We triangulated ADR and occupancy estimates. |
| Inside Airbnb - Brussels | Research dataset used in academic and policy work on STRs. | We understood "active listing" definition differences. We sanity-checked listing count claims. |
| Euronews - Brussels Enforcement | Major news outlet documenting concrete enforcement by Brussels officials in May 2025. | We supported that central Brussels enforcement is real. We motivated compliance as part of feasibility. |
| Airbnb - Belgium Hosting Rules | Airbnb's official help center with local regulation guidance. | We cross-referenced registration requirements. We confirmed platform awareness of Belgian rules. |
| Simont Braun - Legal Analysis | Belgian law firm with detailed tourist accommodation regulation analysis. | We understood the legal framework including ECJ rulings. We clarified tax obligations and housing code implications. |
| Lexgo - Tourist Accommodations Guide | Legal analysis for professionals navigating Belgian regulations. | We understood Brussels Housing Code vacancy rules. We clarified regulations for professional and non-professional hosts. |
| Brussels Fiscality - MyTax Portal | Official Brussels tax portal for host registration and declarations. | We explained how hosts register, declare monthly, and pay tourist taxes. We confirmed the administrative process. |
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.
Related blog posts