Brussels Rental Market Mid-Year Update: What’s Changed Since January 2025

Homeowners

1 Jul

As we reach the halfway point of 2025, it's clear that Brussels' rental market continues to evolve — driven by shifting tenant preferences, policy developments, and a growing appetite for flexible living arrangements. If you're a property owner in the city, now is the time to recalibrate your strategy.

So, what exactly has changed since the beginning of the year?

1. Medium-Term Rentals Are Gaining Even More Traction

The first quarter of 2025 already hinted at it, but by June, the trend is undeniable: medium-term rentals (3–6 months) are becoming the preferred format for many expats, remote workers, and professionals on temporary assignments.

According to data from Immoweb and recent municipal reports, demand for leases between 3 to 6 months rose by 18% compared to the same period in 2024. These renters are looking for fully furnished, ready-to-move-in properties — precisely the segment Nested focuses on.

This shift reflects broader European trends as cities like Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam also report growth in flexible rental models.

2. Corporate Housing Demand Remains High — But More Selective

While January's boom in corporate bookings continues, there's been a change in how companies choose properties. They’re now placing stronger emphasis on:

Proximity to EU institutions and business districts
Reliable Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces
Professional property management that ensures a smooth guest experience

For landlords, this means investing in smart upgrades — and working with a team that knows how to meet these expectations.

3. Vacancy Rates Have Dropped in Key Neighborhoods

In areas like Ixelles, Etterbeek, and the European Quarter, vacancy periods have shortened by 12 to 15% compared to late 2024. This is due in part to:

Seasonality (spring/summer remains peak rental period)
Continued arrival of international staff linked to EU, NATO, and NGO contracts
Increase in property visibility via curated rental platforms

That said, owners in outer communes like Woluwe-Saint-Lambert or Uccle report slightly slower turnover, reinforcing the importance of location and unit type.

4. Landlords Are Prioritizing Peace of Mind Over DIY

One of the most noticeable behavioral shifts? More property owners are outsourcing their rental operations. Whether it’s due to burnout from managing everything alone, or concerns over new tax/reporting obligations, landlords are increasingly turning to professional partners.

In fact, Google Trends shows a 22% spike in searches for “property management Brussels” since January — a strong signal that passive income shouldn't mean active stress.

What This Means for You

If you're renting out property in Brussels, here are three clear takeaways from this mid-year check-in:

Adapt to demand: Focus on furnished, flexible stays between 3–6 months.
Invest in visibility and professionalism: Corporate clients expect more — and are willing to pay for it.
Avoid regulatory gray zones: Brussels' rental future leans medium-term. It’s best to stay ahead of the curve.

At Nested, we’re already helping dozens of landlords navigate this new landscape with less stress and stronger returns. And the second half of the year? It’s shaping up to be even more dynamic.

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