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Belgium’s Rising Rent Challenge: How to Support Your International Employees
Belgium's rental market continues to feel the pressure of rising demand, limited supply, and a growing international population.
Rental prices have increased by over 18% between January 2021 and January 2025, with Brussels seeing particularly sharp rises. While young Belgian buyers are boosting the property market in Flanders and Wallonia, Brussels remains dominated by expats and EU officials whose higher purchasing power and employer-supported packages keep demand high.
For HR and global mobility teams, understanding the rental landscape is critical to supporting employees relocating to Belgium.
Understand Belgium’s Rental Market: Rising Costs Amid Strong Tenant Protections
Statistics from 2024 show that Belgium's average monthly rent is now around €901 for an apartment, with Brussels reaching over €1,300 per month. Competition for rental properties is intense, with some listings attracting over 100 applicants, with Brussels experiencing an even sharper increase of 5%.
Despite the steep costs, Belgium offers a tenant-friendly legal framework that your international employees should be aware of. For example, rent deposits are capped at two months' rent and must be placed in a designated and separate account. Brussels also has rent control measures: tenants can challenge rents that exceed official reference rates by more than 20%.
For those who relocate internationals to Belgium—particularly to Brussels—these dynamics highlight the need for proactive housing support and expert guidance.
Why This Matters for Your International Employees
Securing rental accommodation in Belgium often proves difficult for newcomers. High demand, limited supply, and unfamiliar legal structures mean your employees could face stress, delays, or even unsuitable housing options without the right assistance. This is especially true in Brussels, where multiple applicants, employer-driven leasing, and language barriers complicate the process.
Employers that provide active support — such as short-term housing upon arrival, assistance with the housing search, or coverage of broker or administrative fees — are gaining a competitive advantage in the talent market. These practical benefits are increasingly part of more strategic relocation packages — as explored in this article on how they help companies win top talent.
Beyond helping your international employees find suitable housing and understand tenant rights, it’s important to ensure they have the proper work permits for Belgium. For a clear overview of the work permit process, check out our detailed guide here.
At Expat Management Group, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your employees settle in smoothly. We start with a targeted housing search to match suitable, vetted properties with individual needs such as budget, family size, and commute. Our relocation consultants provide support with lease negotiations to ensure legal compliance and tenant protection. Interested to learn more about our services? Contact us today to learn how EMG can simplify your Belgium relocation strategy: belux@expatmanagementgroup.com.
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