Popular Rental Areas for Expats in Belgium
Belgium, with its rich culture, diverse cities, and central location in Europe, attracts expats from around the world. When it comes to rental areas in Belgium, several regions are particularly favored by foreigners for various reasons, including accessibility, amenities, and quality of life:
Brussels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, is a top choice for expats. The city offers a wide range of rental options, from apartments to townhouses and penthouses. Expats are drawn to Brussels for its international atmosphere, job opportunities, and proximity to EU institutions. Neighborhoods like Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and Etterbeek are popular among expats for their vibrant communities, cultural diversity, and access to schools and amenities.
Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, is renowned for its fashion, culture, and port. expats often choose to live in Antwerp due to its dynamic arts scene, excellent shopping, and culinary delights. The neighborhoods of Zurenborg and Berchem are favored for their architectural charm, while Eilandje offers waterfront living. Antwerp’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring both Belgium and neighboring countries.
Ghent
Ghent, a picturesque city known for its historic architecture and vibrant student population, is a popular destination for expats seeking a more relaxed pace of life. The city center is dotted with medieval buildings and canals, while areas like Sint-Amandsberg and Mariakerke offer suburban living with easy access to the city center. Ghent’s cultural events, festivals, and bike-friendly infrastructure appeal to expats and locals alike.
Leuven
Leuven, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, KU Leuven, attracts a diverse community of expats pursuing higher education and research opportunities. The city’s compact size and historic charm make it an appealing destination. Expats often choose to live in neighborhoods like Heverlee and Wilsele for their proximity to the university campus and vibrant student life.
Waterloo
Waterloo, located in the Walloon Brabant province, is a sought-after suburb of Brussels. It is known for its tranquility, green spaces, and excellent international schools, making it a popular choice for expat families. The famous Battle of Waterloo site is nearby, and the town offers a mix of modern and traditional housing options, including villas and townhouses.
Main Websites for Properties to Rent in Belgium
Finding rental properties in Belgium is made convenient through various online platforms and websites. These websites provide extensive listings, property details, and contact information for landlords or real estate agents. Here are some of the main websites for finding rental properties in Belgium:
Immoweb is one of Belgium’s largest real estate websites, featuring a wide range of rental listings across the country. expats can search for apartments, houses, and commercial properties using filters such as location, property type, and price range. Immoweb is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to expats.
Logic-Immo is a popular real estate platform that offers rental listings in Belgium. It provides detailed property descriptions, photos, and contact information for real estate agencies. expats can use the website to search for properties by region, budget, and other criteria.
Apartments in Brussels is a dedicated platform for expats seeking rental properties in the Brussels-Capital Region. The website offers a selection of apartments and houses, with a focus on serving the international community in Brussels. It includes detailed property information and contact options.
Rentola is a user-friendly rental platform that allows expats to search for properties across Belgium. It provides a straightforward search process and offers various property types, including furnished and unfurnished rentals. Users can filter results based on location, size, and price.
Vlan is a Belgian classifieds website that includes a real estate section with rental listings. expats can browse through property advertisements, view photos, and contact property owners or agents directly. The website also covers other categories, such as jobs and services.
Main Letting Agencies in Belgium
Letting agencies in Belgium play a significant role in assisting expats with finding suitable rental properties. They have local expertise, knowledge of the market, and the ability to facilitate property searches and lease agreements. Here are some of the main letting agencies in Belgium, along with their contact details:
Brussels Sotheby’s International Realty
Brussels Sotheby’s International Realty is a well-established real estate agency in Brussels, specializing in high-end rental properties. expats can contact them for personalized service and access to exclusive listings in the capital city.
Engel & Völkers is a global real estate brand with offices across Belgium. They offer rental services and have a wide range of properties, including luxury homes and apartments. Expats can find contact information for their nearest office on the website.
AGIMOBEL is a real estate agency based in Brussels, specializing in rentals and property management. They have a portfolio of rental listings and can assist expats with finding the right property. Contact details are available on their website.
Brussels Rentals is a dedicated agency for rental properties in Brussels. They offer a range of options, from furnished apartments to family homes. expats can contact them for assistance with their rental search and inquiries.
Living Stone is a real estate agency with offices in Leuven and Brussels. They provide rental services and have listings in both cities and surrounding areas. Expats can find contact information for their preferred office on the website.
Other Ways to Find Property Rentals in Belgium
Aside from online platforms and letting agencies, there are alternative methods to explore when searching for property rentals in Belgium:
Networking: expats can network with fellow expats, colleagues, and locals to discover available rental properties through word of mouth. Attending social events and joining expat groups can be beneficial in this regard.
Local Newspapers and Classifieds: Some local newspapers and classified websites, such as Gumtree Belgium and 2ememain.be, feature property listings, including rentals.
University and Research Institutions: If you are an expat pursuing academic or research opportunities in Belgium, university campuses and research institutions often have bulletin boards or online platforms where rental listings are posted.
Real Estate Expos: Attending real estate expos and housing fairs in Belgium can provide expats with access to a wide range of rental options and opportunities to meet with property owners and agents.
Local Property Managers: Property management companies in Belgium may have rental listings and can assist expats in finding suitable accommodations. Consider reaching out to property management firms for rental options.
When searching for rental properties in Belgium, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your budget, preferences, and desired location. Utilizing a combination of online resources, local expertise, and networking can help expats find their ideal rental property in this European destination.