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
If you're a foreigner looking to buy an apartment in Brussels, figuring out real prices can feel overwhelming because official statistics, portal listings, and agent quotes rarely tell the same story.
This guide breaks down what apartments actually cost in Brussels in 2026, from studios to three-bedroom units, and covers every extra expense you should budget for.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data and pricing trends in Brussels.
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
- The price gap between the cheapest and priciest Brussels communes can reach 1,500 euros per square meter, meaning an 80 square meter apartment in Ixelles costs roughly 120,000 euros more than the same size in Anderlecht.
- Buying a new-build apartment in Brussels triggers 21% VAT instead of the 12.5% registration duty on resale properties, which can add tens of thousands of euros to your total budget.
- Brussels apartment prices grew more slowly than other Belgian regions in 2025, making it one of the more stable urban markets for buyers who want predictability.
- The median apartment price in Brussels sits around 270,000 euros in January 2026, but your actual costs will be closer to 310,000 euros once you add closing costs.
- Property tax in Brussels is based on cadastral income rather than market value, so a centrally located older apartment might have lower annual taxes than a newer unit in the suburbs.
- Network tariffs for electricity and gas in Brussels are set through 2029, so utility costs can shift even if your consumption stays exactly the same.
- First-time buyers targeting communes like Anderlecht, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, or Molenbeek-Saint-Jean can find apartments at 2,700 to 3,200 euros per square meter, well below the Brussels average.
- Monthly HOA fees in Brussels range from 100 euros for basic buildings to over 400 euros for buildings with elevators, concierges, or shared heating systems.
How much do apartments really cost in Brussels in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Brussels is approximately 270,000 euros (around 280,000 USD or 270,000 EUR), while the average sits closer to 300,000 euros because high-end properties in premium communes pull the figure upward.
When it comes to price per square meter, the Brussels median lands around 3,700 euros per square meter (roughly 400 USD or 370 EUR per square foot), with the average reaching about 4,000 euros per square meter due to luxury listings in areas like Ixelles and Uccle.
Most standard apartments in Brussels fall within a price range of 200,000 to 400,000 euros (roughly 210,000 to 420,000 USD), which covers everything from entry-level units in affordable communes to well-located two-bedroom apartments in popular neighborhoods.
How much is a studio apartment in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Brussels costs between 120,000 and 160,000 euros (roughly 125,000 to 170,000 USD), with a mid-market estimate around 130,000 euros based on current square meter rates.
Entry-level to mid-range studios in Brussels generally fall between 100,000 and 150,000 euros, while high-end or luxury studios in premium communes like Ixelles or near the European Quarter can reach 180,000 to 220,000 euros depending on finishes and location.
Studio apartments in Brussels typically measure between 30 and 40 square meters, which is standard for this property type in the Belgian capital and consistent with what you will find across most communes.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Brussels costs around 200,000 to 220,000 euros (approximately 210,000 to 230,000 USD), making it the most common entry point for buyers who want more space than a studio.
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in Brussels range from 180,000 to 250,000 euros, while high-end or luxury one-bedroom units in sought-after areas like Uccle, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, or central Ixelles can reach 280,000 to 350,000 euros.
One-bedroom apartments in Brussels typically measure between 45 and 65 square meters, which provides enough space for a separate living area and bedroom while remaining affordable for first-time buyers.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Brussels costs between 280,000 and 320,000 euros (roughly 295,000 to 335,000 USD), which represents the sweet spot for couples and small families looking for comfortable living space.
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Brussels fall within 260,000 to 350,000 euros, while high-end or luxury two-bedroom units in premium communes can easily reach 400,000 to 500,000 euros, especially when they include terraces, parking, or excellent energy ratings.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Brussels.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Brussels costs between 380,000 and 450,000 euros (approximately 400,000 to 475,000 USD), which reflects both the larger floor area and the premium locations where these units tend to be concentrated.
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments in Brussels range from 350,000 to 480,000 euros, while high-end or luxury three-bedroom units in communes like Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Uccle, or prime Ixelles can reach 550,000 to 700,000 euros or more.
Three-bedroom apartments in Brussels typically measure between 100 and 130 square meters, often featuring multiple bathrooms and sometimes outdoor space like a terrace or balcony.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Brussels typically cost 10% to 25% more per square meter than comparable resale units, but the real price gap comes from the tax difference rather than the sticker price alone.
New-build apartments in Brussels average around 4,200 to 4,800 euros per square meter (roughly 440 to 500 USD or 4,200 to 4,800 EUR per square meter), reflecting modern construction standards, better energy performance, and developer margins.
Resale apartments in Brussels average around 3,500 to 4,000 euros per square meter (approximately 365 to 420 USD or 3,500 to 4,000 EUR per square meter), with significant variation depending on building condition, renovation status, and energy certificate rating.
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Can I afford to buy in Brussels in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget to buy a standard resale apartment in Brussels is around 310,000 euros (approximately 325,000 USD), which includes the median purchase price of 270,000 euros plus roughly 15% in closing costs.
Beyond the purchase price, your all-in budget in Brussels must cover registration duty (12.5% for resale or 21% VAT for new-build), notary fees, deed registration costs, and potentially mortgage-related expenses if you are financing the purchase.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Brussels property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Brussels.
What down payment is typical to buy in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical down payment for buying an apartment in Brussels is 10% to 20% of the purchase price, which translates to roughly 27,000 to 54,000 euros (28,000 to 57,000 USD) on a median-priced apartment.
Most Belgian banks require a minimum down payment of at least 10% for residents, though foreign buyers or non-residents should plan for 20% to 30% to secure financing without complications.
To get favorable mortgage terms in Brussels, including better interest rates and more flexible conditions, a down payment of 20% or more is generally recommended by lenders and financial advisors.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Belgium.
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.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Brussels in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, the price per square meter for apartments in Brussels ranges from approximately 2,700 euros (2,800 USD) in the most affordable communes to over 4,200 euros (4,400 USD) in the most expensive neighborhoods.
The most affordable communes for apartments in Brussels include Anderlecht at around 2,740 euros per square meter (2,870 USD) and Saint-Josse-ten-Noode at roughly 3,180 euros per square meter (3,330 USD), both offering significantly lower entry points than the city average.
The most expensive communes for apartments in Brussels are Ixelles at approximately 4,240 euros per square meter (4,440 USD), Uccle at around 4,000 euros per square meter (4,190 USD), and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre at roughly 3,960 euros per square meter (4,150 USD).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Brussels.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods for first-time buyers on a budget in Brussels are Anderlecht, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, all of which offer apartment prices well below the Brussels average.
In these budget-friendly Brussels communes, typical apartment prices range from 150,000 to 250,000 euros (157,000 to 262,000 USD), which is 20% to 35% lower than what you would pay in premium areas like Ixelles or Uccle.
These affordable Brussels neighborhoods offer good public transport connections, local markets, diverse dining options, and proximity to the city center without the price tag of more established residential communes.
The main trade-off of buying in these budget-friendly Brussels neighborhoods is that building quality and common area maintenance can vary significantly, so careful inspection of the copropriété (HOA) finances and planned works is essential before purchasing.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Brussels in 2026?
As of January 2026, the neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Brussels include parts of Schaerbeek, Forest, and Saint-Gilles, all of which are experiencing gentrification combined with improved transport connectivity.
These fast-appreciating Brussels neighborhoods have seen estimated year-over-year price increases of 3% to 6%, which outpaces the relatively stable Brussels regional average of around 2% growth in 2025.
The main driver behind rapid price growth in these Brussels neighborhoods is the combination of canal-area redevelopment, metro line extensions, and younger buyers seeking affordable alternatives to saturated premium communes.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Brussels.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Brussels in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Brussels?
For a typical resale apartment purchase in Brussels, total buyer closing costs range from 35,000 to 50,000 euros (37,000 to 52,000 USD) on a median-priced property, representing roughly 13% to 18% of the purchase price.
The main categories of closing costs for Brussels apartment buyers include registration duty (or VAT for new builds), notary fees, deed registration costs, mortgage inscription fees if financing, and smaller administrative charges.
The largest closing cost for buyers in Brussels is the registration duty at 12.5% of the purchase price for resale apartments, or 21% VAT for new-build properties purchased directly from developers.
Some closing costs in Brussels are negotiable or variable, including certain notary administrative fees and the timing of payments, though the major taxes (registration duty or VAT) are fixed by law and cannot be reduced.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Brussels?
The typical percentage that Brussels apartment buyers should budget for closing costs is approximately 15% of the purchase price for resale properties and 23% to 25% for new-build apartments due to the higher VAT rate.
The realistic low-to-high range for closing costs in Brussels covers 13% on the low end (smaller resale purchases with minimal extras) to 27% on the high end (new-build purchases with full mortgage registration costs).
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market 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 ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Brussels in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Brussels right now?
HOA fees (called copropriété charges in Belgium) are very common in Brussels apartment buildings, with typical monthly fees ranging from 100 to 250 euros (105 to 260 USD) for standard buildings with basic shared amenities.
For Brussels buildings with elevators, concierge services, larger common areas, shared heating systems, or planned renovation works, monthly HOA fees can reach 300 to 450 euros (315 to 470 USD) or even higher in luxury residences.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Brussels right now?
The typical total monthly utility cost for an apartment in Brussels is around 150 to 200 euros (157 to 210 USD), covering electricity, gas or heating, water, and waste-related charges.
Depending on apartment size and usage patterns, monthly utilities in Brussels can range from 120 euros (126 USD) for a small, energy-efficient unit to 300 euros (315 USD) or more for larger apartments with older heating systems.
The utilities included in a typical Brussels monthly budget are electricity, natural gas or district heating, water supply, and waste collection fees, with some buildings also including common area energy costs in HOA charges.
For most Brussels apartment owners, heating (gas or electricity) tends to be the most expensive utility, especially in older buildings with poor insulation, making the energy performance certificate (PEB/EPC rating) an important factor when buying.
How much is property tax on apartments in Brussels?
The typical annual property tax (précompte immobilier) for an apartment in Brussels ranges from 800 to 2,000 euros (840 to 2,100 USD), depending on the property's cadastral income value.
Property tax in Brussels is calculated by multiplying the property's cadastral income (a notional rental value set by the government) by regional and local tax rates, not by the actual market value or purchase price.
The realistic range of annual property tax in Brussels varies from around 500 euros (525 USD) for smaller units with low cadastral income to over 2,500 euros (2,620 USD) for larger or more valuable properties with higher cadastral income ratings.
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 the yearly building maintenance cost in Brussels?
The typical yearly building maintenance cost for apartment owners in Brussels is approximately 1,350 to 2,700 euros (1,415 to 2,830 USD), calculated as roughly 0.5% to 1% of the property's value to cover long-term upkeep.
Depending on building age and type, yearly maintenance costs in Brussels can range from 800 euros (840 USD) for newer buildings with minimal repair needs to over 4,000 euros (4,190 USD) for older buildings facing major renovation projects.
Building maintenance costs in Brussels typically cover your share of roof repairs, facade work, elevator maintenance, common area renovations, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements.
In Brussels apartment buildings, regular maintenance costs are usually included in your monthly HOA charges, but major capital expenditures (like roof replacement or facade renovation) often require special assessments that are charged separately from routine fees.
How much does home insurance cost in Brussels?
The typical annual home insurance cost for an apartment in Brussels is around 300 to 450 euros (315 to 470 USD), covering building contents, liability, and standard perils like fire and water damage.
Depending on coverage level and property value, annual home insurance in Brussels can range from 250 euros (262 USD) for basic coverage on smaller units to over 600 euros (630 USD) for comprehensive policies on larger or more valuable apartments.
Home insurance is not strictly mandatory for apartment owners in Brussels by law, but mortgage lenders universally require it as a condition of financing, and most copropriété regulations also mandate that owners carry adequate coverage.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Statbel Real Estate | Belgium's official statistics office using notarized deed data. | We used it as the ground truth for median apartment prices by commune. We anchored all our Brussels price ranges to these official figures. |
| Statbel Q3 2025 House Prices | Official quarterly release with stable methodology and time series. | We used it to establish the latest official pricing window before January 2026. We treated early 2026 as late 2025 reality plus small drift. |
| Statbel House Price Index | Official price index series for trend comparisons across Belgium. | We used it to verify our January 2026 estimates imply realistic year-over-year movement. We also used its Brussels growth figure as a trend guardrail. |
| Eurostat House Price Index | EU's statistical office for comparing Belgium's cycle to the eurozone. | We used it as a macro plausibility check showing prices rising across the EU in 2025. We verified Brussels trends align with broader European patterns. |
| Fednot Real Estate Barometer | National federation of notaries reporting directly from transaction data. | We used it to triangulate market direction and apartment price stability. We verified transaction dynamics specific to the Brussels market. |
| Fednot Brussels Barometer | Primary notarial source focused specifically on Brussels and surroundings. | We used it to keep our analysis Brussels-specific. We avoided over-generalizing from national averages. |
| Immoweb Price Tool | Belgium's largest property portal with transparent price-per-m² data. | We used it for euro-per-square-meter estimates by commune. We treated it as a second lens alongside deed medians. |
| Immoweb Ixelles Data | Same methodology applied to a premium Brussels commune. | We used it to show price dispersion within Brussels. We translated Ixelles prices into budget ranges by apartment type. |
| Immoweb Anderlecht Data | Provides consistent low-to-mid market comparison for Brussels. | We used it to represent the more affordable end of the Brussels market. We built budget buyer examples with actual commune names. |
| FPS Finance Registration Duty | Belgian federal finance ministry site explaining official tax rules. | We used it to calculate the 12.5% registration duty for resale apartments. We converted this into all-in budget estimates. |
| FPS Finance VAT Rules | Official source for VAT treatment on new residential property. | We used it to explain why new-build apartments cost more all-in. We built the new versus resale cost gap section around this. |
| Notaire.be Cost Simulators | Official notary platform for indicative purchase cost simulations. | We used it to frame notary and deed costs as unavoidable budget items. We translated typical results into practical percentage ranges. |
| MyTax Brussels Property Tax | Brussels' official regional tax portal explaining property tax rules. | We used it to explain how property tax is calculated using cadastral income. We gave realistic annual budget ranges for apartments. |
| Belgium.be Précompte Immobilier | Belgian government portal summarizing property tax in plain language. | We used it as a second official confirmation of regional property tax rules. We kept explanations beginner-friendly. |
| BRUGEL Energy Regulator | Official energy regulator for the Brussels-Capital Region. | We used it to ground our utilities discussion in Brussels-specific regulation. We anchored energy cost estimates to regulated frameworks. |
| Sibelga Network Tariffs | Brussels' distribution network operator explaining tariff periods. | We used it to justify why utility bills can shift even with stable consumption. We translated tariff changes into practical monthly buffers. |
| Febelfin Mortgage Market | Belgian financial sector federation citing National Bank figures. | We used it to anchor typical mortgage rate ranges for mid to late 2025. We estimated affordability and monthly payment scenarios. |
| Brussels Housing Fund | Official Brussels public service page describing financing options. | We used it to show Brussels-specific financing channels exist. We used stated rate ranges as real-world bounds for borrowers. |
| ERA Brussels Barometer | Real estate agency market analysis specific to Brussels apartments. | We used it to verify Brussels apartment prices were relatively stable in 2025. We supported our modest drift assumption for early 2026. |
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.
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