Accommodation in Belgium

Expats moving to Belgium will find plenty of reasonably-priced, comfortable housing options available to them. Expats will discover that all types of accommodation are to be found in Belgium, from furnished or unfurnished flats, to houses and luxury apartments. 

Renting Property in Belgium 

Most expats will probably opt for renting property in Belgium. It is useful to note that the standard, assumed lease agreement in Belgium is nine years, although three-year options are also available. Strangely enough, expats report that for shorter stays in the country, it is in fact a better idea to go the nine-year route, as these agreements are generally more flexible. Just be sure that the letting agent you use is aware of your estimated period of stay in Belgium, so they can find the best option to suit your needs. Expats should also be aware that – under normal circumstances – they will be liable for all their utility bills.
 

Expats will be delighted to know that the cost of accommodation in Belgium – relative to one's salary and other living expenses – is extremely reasonable (although renting property in Brussels, especially near the CBD, is more expensive). Expats report that a modest portion of their salary is enough to cover the rental for houses consisting of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two garages, and a huge garden.
 

The standard of accommodation in Belgium is typical of the Benelux countries, with comfortable – though small – houses predominating. Air conditioning is not a common feature (though it is rarely necessary), while the vast majority of houses have adequate heating systems. Expats – especially those relocating from the USA – should be aware that condominium complexes, of the kind that might include a swimming pool or a gym, are non-existent in Belgium.
 

While shipping furniture to Belgium is a viable option, expats can also rest assured that they won't have too much difficulty buying furniture in Belgium to suit their new home. There is a wide range of options available, from IKEA to antique stores, and everything in between.
 

Since Belgium is such a massively popular expat destination – with swathes of foreign nationals living in Brussels, Wavre, Overijse, Waterloo, Rhode-St-Genese (location of the American Women's Club of Brussels), Genval, Rixensart and La Hulpe, as well as the university towns of Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve – another benefit of relocating there is that expats do not need to worry unduly about feeling lonely or alienated, or 'cut off' from familiar society.
 

Home security will not be a major issue for expats relocating to Belgium. Although minor break-ins do occur in some neighbourhoods (especially in the larger cities), these crimes are never violent, and more often than not, the installation of a simple alarm system (if your house doesn't already have one) will be enough to deter potential robbers. Time and again, expats report that they feel very safe in their homes in Belgium.
 

Living in Belgium is also very family-friendly, should expats be looking to relocate with their spouses and children in tow. Although properties can tend to be on the small side (especially those without gardens), in every neighbourhood, there are a plethora of parks, swimming pools, tennis clubs, children's gyms, etc. – enabling one to spend time with the family in maximum comfort.

Buying property in Belgium
 

Expats are allowed to buy property in Belgium, and by all accounts, house prices seem to be pretty reasonable. However, since closing costs are around 20 per cent of the market value, expats will probably need to be sure that they will stay in the same house for about five years, to make the investment worthwhile.