How to Find Housing in Brussels, Belgium?

Are you looking for advice on how to find housing in Brussels, Belgium? You have come to the right place. This article will help you understand and strategize your search for the perfect apartment or home in Brussels, Belgium. We will cover information on a variety of topics, from the types of housing available to the best places to search, and provide advice on what to consider and expect throughout your search.

Getting Started: Considering Your Housing Needs in Brussels

Before you start your search for housing in Brussels, it’s important to assess your needs for housing, as well as consider any additional needs. Consider things such as location, budget, and storage needs, as well as any other amenities or features you may need from your new home.

• Think about how long you plan to stay in Brussels – long-term or short-term?
• Do you have family, roommates, or pets that you need to house?
• What type of housing best suits your needs and lifestyle?
• Are you looking for furnished or unfurnished housing?
• Do you have any special furnishings you need to bring with you?
• What areas of Brussels do you prefer (central Brussels or an up-and-coming neighborhood?)
• What size of housing do you prefer?
• Are there any special amenities that you’re looking for (e.g. a balcony, a garden, a gym, etc.)?

Once you’ve determined your own preferences and needs, then you can start researching the different types of housing that are available in Brussels.

Housing Types Available in Brussels

Brussels has several types of accommodation available for different budgets and preferences. Here is a rundown of some of the most common ones:

• Apartments: Many people choose apartments when looking for housing in Brussels. Apartments are typically rented out on private contracts, so make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding the apartment before signing any contracts. There are a variety of sizes and styles of apartments available in Brussels, from furnished studios to larger 3-4 bedroom flats.
• Shared Apartments: If you want to live with roommates or are trying to save some money on rent, there are many shared apartments available in Brussels. This type of housing allows multiple people to share one apartment, typically with each person having their own room and sharing communal spaces such as the kitchen and living area.
• Houses: If you have a larger budget and want more space, a house may be an attractive option. Houses typically come in two general types in Brussels – townhouses and single family houses. Townhouses are generally 2-3 stories high and may have communal or private gardens, while single family houses may range from small cottages up to luxury mansions.
• Short-term Rentals:

If you are visiting Brussels for a short period of time and don’t want to commit to a long-term lease agreement, there are many short-term rental options available. Airbnb is a popular option for this type of accommodation, with many private hosts offering furnished apartments for daily, weekly, or monthly rental periods.

Now that we’ve covered the different types of housing available in Brussels, let’s take a look at the best places to search for housing.

Where to Look for Housing in Brussels

There are several resources available to help you find housing in Brussels, each offering advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs. Here is a brief overview of some of the most commonly used resources:

• Expatica : Expatica is one of the most comprehensive resources for expats moving to Brussels and offers a useful housing section where users can post ads and search available accommodation options.
• funda : funda is the Netherlands’ leading real estate platform, offering listings for multiple countries including Belgium.
• Airbnb : Airbnb is an online marketplace where hosts can list their properties for short-term rental periods.
• Housing Anywhere : This platform is perfect for those looking for short-term rentals (up to 12 months) or rooms in shared apartments.
• Brussels Mobile : Brussels Mobile is a local website connecting tenants directly with landlords. It’s an excellent option if you don’t want to pay an agent or use a shared accommodation platform.

In addition to the resources listed above, it’s also worth considering the classified ads section of local newspapers or websites such as Craigslist or eBay Classifieds. Take the time to explore each option and determine which ones best suit your needs for finding housing in Brussels.

Tips for Finding Housing in Brussels

Now that we’ve discussed the types of housing available and some resources to explore, let’s look at some tips which can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible:

• Know your budget: Before beginning your search for housing in Brussels, it’s important to get a good idea of what type of budget you will have available for rent, furnishing costs, and other related expenses.
• Do your research: Make sure that you take the time to understand the process associated with renting in Belgium, as well as local rental costs.
• Consider location: Keep in mind factors such as transportation, proximity to amenities and institutions, safety, noise levels and other criteria that are important to you when choosing an area of Brussels to live.
• Use social media networks: You can often find potential listings by reaching out through your network on Facebook, LinkedIn or other social media websites.
• Check out apartment viewings: When viewing an apartment or house that interests you make sure that you ask plenty of questions about the property and neighbourhood and get an understanding of all costs associated with renting.
• Be aware of scams: Be aware that there are plenty of scams that target people searching for accommodation on the internet. Be vigilant by double checking sources of listings before providing payment or personal information.

Finding housing in Brussels doesn’t have to be a difficult process if you take the time prepare and do your research before searching. Taking some time to consider the type of housing that best suits your needs and lifestyle, understanding where to look for potential properties and knowing what questions to ask before committing will ensure that you make informed decisions about finding the perfect place to live in Brussels.