Brussels, Belgium – The cost of renting in Belgium has skyrocketed in recent years, far outpacing increases in neighboring countries, according to an analysis by the IESEG School of Management.
The study, which examined rent trends from January 2021 to January 2025, found that rental prices in Belgium rose by an alarming 18.3% over the period.
“The recent inflationary crisis has had a major impact on tenants in Belgium,” said Eric Dor, director of economic studies at IESEG. “In the past four years, rent increases in Belgium far outstripped those in neighboring countries.”
The IESEG report highlights a stark contrast between Belgium and its European neighbors. In comparison, rental prices rose by just 6.8% in France, 7.1% in Luxembourg, 8% in Germany, and 11.5% in the Netherlands during the same period.
Brussels and Flanders Feeling the Pressure
The sharp rise in rental prices is particularly evident in Brussels, where rent costs have surged due to high demand and a shortage of available properties.
In 2023 alone, rental prices in the Belgian capital increased by nearly 10%, followed by an additional 5% hike in 2024. This sustained upward trend has placed significant pressure on tenants in the region.
What was once primarily a Brussels-centric issue has now extended to Flanders. In the Dutch-speaking region, rental costs have surpassed key psychological thresholds.
The average rent for a house in Flanders has exceeded €1,000 per month, marking a 3% increase, while apartment rents have seen an even steeper rise, climbing by 5% to reach an average of €841 per month.
Homeownership Also Becoming Less Attainable
The surge in rental costs is mirrored in the property market, making homeownership increasingly difficult for many Belgians. The IESEG study found that the average price of purchasing a home in Belgium increased by 15.3% over the same four-year period.
Brussels remains the most expensive region for homebuyers, with the median price of a house rising from €425,000 in 2020 to €500,000 in 2024—a 17% increase.
Flats in the capital also saw substantial price hikes, with the median price rising to €257,000 in 2025, up by €32,000 since 2020.
By contrast, France saw home prices rise by just 6.2% in the same period, while Germany experienced a marginal 0.3% increase. Luxembourg even saw a decline of 2.6%, indicating a stark difference in housing affordability trends across Europe.
Only the Netherlands recorded a more dramatic increase, with housing prices soaring by 31.3% from January 2021 to late 2024.
Outlook for Tenants and Homebuyers
The sustained increase in both rental and purchase prices poses challenges for many Belgians, particularly younger generations and lower-income families who are struggling to afford housing.
Experts warn that unless additional housing supply is introduced, prices may continue to rise at an unsustainable pace.
With rents and home prices showing little sign of slowing down, Belgium’s housing market remains under intense scrutiny as policymakers look for solutions to ease the financial burden on tenants and prospective homeowners alike.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
