Are Belgian Apartments Becoming Real Ovens in Summer?

For years, apartment viewings in Belgium tended to revolve around the same questions: How is the public transport? Is the apartment bright? What is the neighbourhood like? Is there a balcony?

This summer, we noticed another question coming up more and more often:

“Does the apartment have air conditioning?”

It may seem like a small detail. But as summer temperatures rise, air conditioning in Belgian apartments is becoming a more important consideration for both tenants and property owners.

And for landlords, it raises an interesting question: is installing air conditioning in a Belgian apartment becoming a worthwhile investment?

Is air conditioning becoming essential in Belgian apartments?

Air conditioning is still far from standard in European homes. Around 90% of homes in the United States have air conditioning, compared with roughly 20% across Europe. In Belgium, the figure is estimated at around 10%, so it remains relatively unusual in homes here.

That means air conditioning is still relatively unusual in Belgian apartments.

But this could be changing.

During the warmer months, apartments equipped with air conditioning can offer a clear comfort advantage. For tenants looking for a home during increasingly hot summers, the ability to keep an apartment at a comfortable temperature can become a deciding factor.

In our experience managing apartments, properties equipped with air conditioning have tended to rent faster this summer.

Of course, many factors influence how quickly an apartment is rented. Location, price, condition, size and energy performance all matter. But as summers become hotter, air conditioning is becoming increasingly relevant for rental properties in Belgium.

Is air conditioning becoming an investment rather than a luxury?

For property owners, this raises an interesting question.

How much does it cost to install air conditioning in a Belgian apartment, and what impact could it have on rental demand and yield?

Installing air conditioning comes with an upfront cost. Depending on the apartment, the number of rooms, the type of system and the complexity of the installation, the investment can vary considerably.

But the calculation should not stop at the air conditioning installation cost.

The more interesting question is: what can air conditioning contribute to a property's rental appeal and long-term value?

A more comfortable apartment may attract more interest from prospective tenants, particularly during the summer months. It could also help differentiate a property from similar apartments on the Belgian rental market.

For landlords, this means it can be useful to look at air conditioning for an apartment as part of the overall investment strategy for a property, rather than simply as an additional expense.

Demand for air conditioning is growing in Belgium

The market itself appears to be moving in that direction.

According to the figures referenced above, air conditioning installations in Belgium increased by 47% during the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

At the same time, summers are becoming an increasingly important consideration when it comes to residential comfort.

That combination could mean that air conditioning becomes less of a “nice to have” and more of an expected feature in certain Belgian apartments.

For owners of rental properties, this is something worth considering before the next summer season.

Should you install air conditioning before next summer?

If you own an apartment in Belgium, it may be worth doing the calculation now rather than waiting until the next heatwave.

When temperatures rise, demand for air conditioning installation in Belgium rises too. This can mean more competition for installers and potentially longer lead times.

Planning your installation during the cooler months gives you time to:

* Assess which rooms would benefit most from cooling

* Compare different air conditioning systems

* Understand the cost of installing air conditioning

* Consider the impact on your property's rental appeal

* Have the work completed before the next summer season

The right solution will depend on the building, apartment layout, existing systems and installation possibilities. In some properties, a single unit may be sufficient. In others, a multi-split air conditioning system may make more sense.

What does air conditioning installation cost in Belgium?

There is no single price for installing air conditioning in a Belgian apartment.

The air conditioning cost Belgian owners should plan for depends on factors such as the number of rooms to be cooled, the type of air conditioning system, the location of the outdoor unit and the complexity of the installation.

Whether owners are comparing air conditioning installation options in Belgium or requesting an airco installation estimate in Belgium, a property-specific assessment is the best place to start.

Air conditioning for Belgian rental properties

For property owners, the question is not simply: “How much does air conditioning cost?”

It is also worth asking: “What could better summer comfort be worth for my property?”

As temperatures rise and tenant expectations evolve, air conditioning for apartments in Belgium could become an increasingly relevant feature. The right air conditioning solution for a Belgian apartment will depend on the building, the layout and the installation possibilities.

Nested helps property owners across Belgium assess suitable installation options and obtain a property-specific estimate. Thinking about installing air conditioning before next summer? Contact us to discuss your apartment.