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
Everything you need to know about renting out property in Brussels as a foreigner is covered in this guide, from legal requirements to realistic yield expectations.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, market data, and rental trends in the Brussels property market.
Whether you're considering long-term tenants or short-term rentals, the Brussels rental market offers solid opportunities if you understand the local rules.
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 gross rental yields in 2026 range from 5.7% to 6.0% for typical apartments, outperforming the Belgian national average of 4.2% by a significant margin.
- The Brussels tourist tax increased in January 2026 to 5 euros per overnight stay, which directly reduces short-term rental profitability by roughly 90 to 150 euros per month at typical occupancy levels.
- Only 20% of Brussels residents own their homes according to SPF Finance data, creating structurally high tenant demand that keeps vacancy rates between 1.5% and 3%.
- Furnished apartments in Brussels command a 10% to 20% rent premium over unfurnished units, driven by the large expat and EU professional population seeking turnkey accommodation.
- Brussels registration duties at 12.5% are among the highest in Belgium, adding roughly 31,000 euros to a 250,000 euro apartment purchase before notary fees.
- Short-term rental occupancy in Brussels averages around 60% in 2026, meaning hosts typically book about 18 nights per month rather than the 25 to 28 nights often projected in optimistic scenarios.
- Properties with strong energy performance certificates in Brussels sell 10% to 15% above asking price and can command rent premiums because recent indexation rules penalize energy-inefficient landlords.
- Foreign investors increased their share of Brussels residential purchases by 12% in 2024, drawn by EU institution demand and rental yields exceeding those in Paris or Amsterdam.
Can I legally rent out a property in Brussels as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, there is no Brussels-specific restriction preventing foreigners from owning and renting out residential property, which means if you can legally purchase a property, you can legally rent it out.
The most common ownership structure for foreign investors in Brussels is direct personal ownership, though some choose to hold property through a Belgian company (SRL) if they plan to build a larger portfolio or want specific tax treatment.
The main limitation foreigners face is not ownership itself but rather the compliance burden, since you will need to file a Belgian non-resident income tax return if you earn rental income, and short-term rentals require mandatory registration with Brussels Economy and Employment.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Brussels.
Do I need residency to rent out in Brussels right now?
You do not need to live in Belgium to rent out a Brussels property, which makes remote ownership entirely feasible for foreign investors who hire local property managers.
If you earn Belgian rental income as a non-resident, Belgium expects you to file a non-resident income tax return, which effectively means you will need a Belgian tax identification path for compliance purposes.
A local bank account is generally not required because rent can be paid to a foreign IBAN, though the security deposit in Brussels is typically placed in a blocked account in the tenant's name where the landlord holds a claim.
Managing a Brussels rental property remotely is common practice, with most foreign owners hiring a local property manager to handle keys, inspections, repairs, tenant communication, and (for short-term rentals) guest turnover.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Brussels in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals can generate higher gross revenue in Brussels, but long-term rentals often deliver better effort-adjusted net returns because short-term comes with registration requirements, monthly tourist tax declarations, and significantly higher operating costs.
A well-managed long-term rental in Brussels might net around 3.6% to 4.4% after costs, while a well-managed short-term rental can range from 3.0% to 4.8% depending heavily on occupancy, turnover expenses, and whether you properly account for the 5 euro per night Brussels tourist tax.
Short-term rentals tend to outperform financially in peak demand zones like the EU Quarter around Schuman, the Grand Place area, and popular Ixelles hotspots like Flagey and Châtelain, where tourist and business traveler demand remains strong year-round.
What's the average gross rental yield in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential apartments in Brussels is approximately 5.7% to 6.0%, which is notably higher than the Belgian national average of around 4.2%.
The realistic gross yield range for most Brussels residential properties falls between 4.9% on the low end for premium communes and 6.0% or slightly higher for well-chosen properties in middle-price neighborhoods with strong transit access.
Two-bedroom apartments in Brussels typically achieve the highest gross rental yields at around 6.0%, followed by one-bedrooms at approximately 5.9% and studios at around 5.7%, making mid-sized units the sweet spot for yield-focused investors.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Brussels.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for long-term residential rentals in Brussels is approximately 3.6% to 4.4% after accounting for all normal operating costs and a realistic vacancy allowance.
Most Brussels landlords realistically experience net yields between 3.0% on the low end (in premium communes with higher prices and lower relative rents) and 4.8% on the high end (in well-chosen middle-price areas with strong tenant demand).
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield specifically in Brussels are property taxes linked to the cadastral income framework, building charges and condo fees which can run 90 to 200 euros monthly, and property management fees of 8% to 10% of rent for remote owners who need local support.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Brussels.
What monthly rent can I get in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Brussels are approximately 875 euros (920 USD) for a studio, 1,100 euros (1,155 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment, and 1,500 euros (1,575 USD) for a two-bedroom apartment.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Brussels in 2026 ranges from 700 to 950 euros (735 to 1,000 USD), with the lower end found in communes like Anderlecht and Jette and the higher end in better-located areas.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Brussels in 2026 rents for between 950 and 1,300 euros (1,000 to 1,365 USD) per month, with location near metro stations and the EU Quarter pushing rents toward the higher end of this range.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in Brussels in 2026 commands between 1,250 and 1,950 euros (1,315 to 2,050 USD) monthly, with premium communes like Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and Uccle reaching 1,800 euros or more.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Brussels.
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 Brussels in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold a typical long-term rental apartment in Brussels (excluding mortgage payments) ranges from 250 to 550 euros (260 to 580 USD), plus property management fees of 8% to 10% of rent if you hire a manager.
A realistic low-to-high monthly cost range for most standard Brussels rental properties is 200 euros (210 USD) for a well-maintained small apartment with low condo fees, up to 700 euros (735 USD) for a larger unit with higher building charges and a bigger repairs reserve.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs specifically in Brussels is typically the building or condo charges (charges communes), which can run 90 to 200 euros monthly and cover maintenance of common areas, elevator service, building insurance, and sometimes heating.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Brussels.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Brussels is between 1.5% and 3%, which translates to roughly two to four weeks of vacancy per year for a correctly priced unit in a decent location.
A prudent Brussels landlord should budget for approximately 0.5 to 1 month of vacancy per year, because even in a tight market, tenant turnover, reletting time, and occasional gaps between leases are unavoidable.
The main factor causing vacancy rates to vary across Brussels neighborhoods is transit access and proximity to employment centers like the EU Quarter, since apartments near metro and tram lines in Ixelles, Etterbeek, and central Brussels rent faster than those in peripheral areas with weaker connections.
The highest tenant turnover and vacancy in Brussels typically occurs in late spring and summer (May through August), when many expat and EU contracts end and families prefer to move before the school year begins in September.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Brussels.
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Where do rentals perform best in Brussels in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Brussels are Ixelles (especially around Flagey and Châtelain), Etterbeek (near Schuman and the EU Quarter), and Saint-Gilles (around Parvis de Saint-Gilles and the Louise fringe).
Families seeking long-term rentals in Brussels tend to concentrate in Uccle (especially Churchill and Fort Jaco), Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (near Montgomery and Roodebeek), and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (around Stockel), where green spaces, international schools, and quieter residential streets create strong family appeal.
Students looking for long-term rentals in Brussels cluster around Ixelles near the ULB campus (Cimetière d'Ixelles area), Etterbeek, and central Brussels-1000, all of which offer good transit access and proximity to university facilities.
Expats and international professionals in Brussels gravitate toward Etterbeek and parts of Ixelles near Schuman and Luxembourg stations for singles and couples, while family expats often prefer Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert for their combination of space, safety, and international school proximity.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Brussels.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Brussels are Schaerbeek (especially around Josaphat Park and Plasky), Jette, and parts of Anderlecht near strong metro and tram nodes.
The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding Brussels neighborhoods is approximately 5.5% to 6.5%, compared to 4.5% to 5.5% in premium communes like Uccle and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre where purchase prices are significantly higher.
The main characteristic allowing these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields than others in Brussels is the gap between their relatively lower purchase prices and their stable rental demand, since working professionals and young families need affordable housing with good transit access regardless of neighborhood prestige.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Brussels.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Brussels are Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (around 1,400 euros or 1,470 USD for a one-bedroom), Uccle (around 1,350 euros or 1,415 USD), and premium Ixelles near Châtelain and Avenue Louise (around 1,300 euros or 1,365 USD).
A typical monthly rent range for a standard one-bedroom apartment in these premium Brussels neighborhoods is 1,200 to 1,600 euros (1,260 to 1,680 USD), with two-bedrooms reaching 1,800 to 2,400 euros (1,890 to 2,520 USD) in the best buildings.
The main characteristic making these neighborhoods command the highest rents in Brussels is their combination of green spaces, low-density residential character, excellent international schools nearby, and strong public safety perception, which together create a premium living environment that high-income tenants willingly pay for.
Typical tenant profiles in these highest-rent Brussels neighborhoods include senior EU officials, diplomats, international organization employees, corporate executives at multinational headquarters, and dual-income professional families seeking access to top schools and quiet residential streets.
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 Brussels in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most specifically in Brussels are a good EPB/EPC energy rating (because recent indexation rules have made energy efficiency financially material), proximity to metro or tram stations with EU Quarter access, and private outdoor space like a balcony or terrace (which is particularly valued in dense inner-city communes).
A strong energy performance certificate in Brussels can add an estimated 5% to 10% rent premium, since tenants increasingly factor in energy bills and landlords with poor EPC ratings face limitations on annual rent indexation.
One commonly overrated feature that Brussels landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is high-end kitchen finishes like marble countertops or designer appliances, because most Brussels tenants prioritize location and space over luxury materials they could find in any European city.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for Brussels landlords is installing a quality dishwasher and in-unit washer-dryer, since these small conveniences reduce tenant turnover and justify slightly higher rents without requiring major renovation.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Brussels typically rent 1 to 2 weeks faster than unfurnished units because the city has an unusually large international and short-assignment tenant base from EU institutions, consultancies, NGOs, and visiting professionals who need turnkey accommodation.
Furnished apartments in Brussels command a rent premium of approximately 10% to 20% over unfurnished equivalents, with the higher end of this range achievable in areas near the EU Quarter and for units targeting expat tenants on 1 to 3 year contracts.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Brussels right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Brussels right now?
In Brussels, landlords are broadly free to set initial rent prices on the private rental market, though the region provides a reference rent grid tool that tenants and landlords can consult to determine fair rental value based on neighborhood and property characteristics.
Rent increases during a tenancy in Brussels are regulated through an indexation system tied to the health index, and since recent years, properties with poor energy performance certificates face adapted indexation formulas that can limit annual increases.
What's the standard lease length in Brussels right now?
The standard lease duration for a principal residence in Brussels is 9 years by default, though landlords and tenants can agree to shorter leases (typically 1 to 3 years) or longer leases depending on their needs.
The maximum security deposit a landlord can legally require in Brussels is 2 months' rent (for leases entered into or renewed since November 2024), which for a 1,100 euro apartment means a maximum deposit of 2,200 euros (approximately 2,310 USD).
At the end of a tenancy in Brussels, the security deposit must be returned to the tenant within a reasonable timeframe after a joint inspection, with any justified deductions for damages documented, and since the deposit is typically held in a blocked bank account in the tenant's name, release requires both parties' agreement or a court decision.
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 Brussels in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Brussels right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Brussels in early 2026, but only if you comply with the tourist accommodation rules, which means operating without registration is explicitly illegal and can result in fines.
To operate a short-term rental in Brussels, you must register your tourist accommodation with Brussels Economy and Employment before listing it, and in practice you will also need an urban planning certificate and fire safety compliance depending on your setup.
Brussels defines tourist accommodation as stays from 1 night up to 90 consecutive days, but there is no simple "90 nights per year" host limit; the emphasis is on registration, ongoing tourist tax declarations, and compliance rather than a blanket annual cap.
The most common penalties for operating an unlicensed or non-compliant short-term rental in Brussels include fines, with Brussels Fiscality recently announcing audits of 5,000 Airbnb properties targeting an estimated 7 million euros in fines and 6 million euros in overdue tourist taxes.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Brussels.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Brussels is approximately 60%, which means hosts typically book around 18 nights per month on average rather than the 25 to 28 nights often assumed in optimistic projections.
The realistic low-to-high occupancy rate range for most short-term rentals in Brussels is 32% for underperforming properties in weak locations up to 80% or higher for well-optimized, professionally managed listings in prime areas near the Grand Place or EU Quarter.
The highest occupancy rates for Brussels short-term rentals typically occur in spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), when business travel peaks and pleasant weather attracts leisure tourists to the city.
The lowest occupancy rates for Brussels short-term rentals typically occur in January and February, when post-holiday travel drops significantly and cold weather reduces tourist interest in the city.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Brussels.
What's the average nightly rate in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate (ADR) for short-term rentals in Brussels is approximately 110 to 125 euros (115 to 130 USD), though this varies significantly by property type, location, and season.
A realistic low-to-high nightly rate range for most Brussels short-term rental listings is 70 euros (75 USD) for basic studios in peripheral areas up to 200 euros (210 USD) or more for well-located, high-quality apartments near tourist attractions or the EU Quarter.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season and off-season in Brussels is approximately 20 to 40 euros (20 to 40 USD), with spring and autumn commanding the highest rates and January through February seeing the lowest.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Brussels in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Brussels short-term rental market is competitive but not saturated, with approximately 5,500 to 10,000 active listings depending on the data source and a market-wide occupancy around 60% suggesting healthy demand absorption.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Brussels has remained relatively stable over the past year, with growth moderated by stricter registration enforcement and the 2026 tourist tax increase making marginal operators less profitable.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Brussels are the immediate Grand Place area and parts of central Brussels-1000 where generic tourist-focused listings compete heavily on price.
Neighborhoods in Brussels that still have room for new short-term rental supply include parts of Ixelles near Flagey (where business travelers and expats create demand), Etterbeek near the EU Quarter (where professional short-stays are common), and emerging areas in Saint-Gilles with good transit access.
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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 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 and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels-Capital Region Housing | Official Brussels government housing administration guidance. | We used it to ground lease duration, deposit rules, and rent-setting freedom. We also referenced it for the regulatory framework around long-term residential leases. |
| FPS Finance Belgium | Belgium's federal tax authority explaining property taxation. | We used it to explain cadastral income and non-resident tax obligations. We also referenced it to frame holding costs beyond repairs and insurance. |
| Brussels Economy and Employment | Regional authority responsible for tourist accommodation registration. | We used it to confirm Airbnb legality and mandatory registration requirements. We also used it to separate tourist accommodation rules from long-term leases. |
| Global Property Guide | Long-running global property dataset with transparent methodology. | We used it as the backbone for gross yields and rent estimates by unit type. We stress-tested these numbers against Brussels market commentary and official costs. |
| Statbel (Belgium Statistics) | Official statistics office using registered deed data. | We used it to anchor Brussels purchase price levels for yield calculations. We triangulated private-sector estimates against these official figures. |
| AirDNA | Widely used short-term rental analytics provider with platform data. | We used it to estimate Brussels STR occupancy and average nightly rates. We converted these into realistic revenue ranges after subtracting tourist taxes. |
| Brussels Fiscality | Official Brussels tax notice with 2026 tourist tax amounts. | We used it to include the real 2026 tourist tax cost in STR yield calculations. We explained why STR gross revenue gets reduced by per-night taxes. |
| loyers.brussels | Brussels Region's official rent reference tool. | We used it as the reality-check tool landlords can use before listing. We explained why some areas command premiums based on this framework. |
| KBC Brussels Bank | Major Belgian bank with first-half 2025 market analysis. | We used it to confirm average rent levels at 1,321 euros and price gaps between communes. We cross-referenced vacancy and transaction data from this source. |
| Brussels Times | Mainstream outlet citing Federia/CIB industry data. | We used it as a secondary cross-check for rent levels by bedroom count. We only referenced it when it clearly cited its underlying dataset. |
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.
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