Renting or buying
a home
Whether you choose to rent or buy depends on your plans, budget, and how long you intend to stay in Belgium. For most newcomers, renting is the first step, while buying may be an option if you're planning to settle for the long term.
This guide explains the main differences, between renting and buying, and where to find listings and support along the way.
Overview
There's no single right answer when it comes to choosing between renting and buying. Your decision depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in Belgium, and how settled you feel in the region so far.
Take some time to compare both options before deciding what works best for you.
Renting a home
For many newcomers, renting is the more flexible option. It allows you to settle quickly and give yourself time to understand the local market before committing to anything longer term. Keep in mind that the rental market in West Flanders is often saturated, with many candidates for each available property, so it's worth preparing yourself for a search that could take a while.
When renting, consider:
- Your monthly rent and estimated utility costs — renting in Belgium is not necessarily cheap, so it's worth budgeting realistically from the start
- The rental deposit (huurwaarborg), usually 2 to 3 months' rent, paid upfront into a blocked account in your name. This amount is released once you move out, minus any costs for damage
- The duration of the rental contract — most contracts follow a standard 3-6-9 structure, meaning a 9-year term with the option to end it every 3 years
- Most apartments and houses for rent in Belgium are unfurnished, so factor in the cost of furnishing when budgeting
- Which utilities are included in the rent
Before you move in, you and the landlord will draw up an inventory report (plaatsbeschrijving) describing the condition of the property. It's important to check this document carefully, and to take your own photos of any existing damage so you have your own record to refer back to when you move out.
Tip: if your Dutch is limited, try to bring along someone who speaks Dutch when visiting a property. It can help you pick up on details in the contract or conversation with the landlord that might otherwise get lost.
Renting is often recommended if you're relocating to the region for the first time or are still getting to know the area.
Buying a home
Buying gives you more stability and lets you build equity, but it comes with a bigger financial and administrative commitment. Most buyers in Belgium take out a mortgage (hypothecair krediet) through a bank, and the process includes notary fees and registration taxes on top of the purchase price.
Before you decide to buy, it's worth knowing:
- Total costs usually add 10 to 15% on top of the purchase price for notary fees, registration duties, and other charges
- A notary (notaris) is legally required to formalise any property purchase in Belgium
- Mortgage conditions for non-Belgian residents can vary between banks, so it's worth comparing a few
Cohousing and coliving
If renting on your own feels like a big step, or you'd simply like a more social way of living, cohousing or coliving is worth exploring too. In these setups, you rent a private room within a shared house or building, while sharing common spaces such as the kitchen, living room, or garden with the other residents.
It's often a more affordable option than renting an entire apartment by yourself, and it comes with a built-in community, which can make settling into a new region easier. A number of cohousing and coliving initiatives are active across West Flanders, particularly in and around the larger cities.
Web platforms
Most people start their search online. A few widely used platforms in Belgium include:
- Immoweb — the largest property portal in Belgium, covering both rentals and sales
- Zimmo — a similar nationwide portal with detailed filters by city and property type
- Logic-Immo — another major listings site, often used alongside the two above
- Facebook — many local and expat groups share rental listings, sometimes before they appear on the larger platforms
Listings are often in Dutch, but most platforms also offer an English or French version.
Real estate agencies
If you'd prefer personal assistance, you can also contact a local real estate agency.
An agency can help you:
- Find properties that match your criteria
- Arrange property viewings
- Explain rental agreements or purchase contracts
- Assist with administrative and legal paperwork
Although many agencies speak English, this can vary depending on the location. It's worth asking in advance if English-speaking assistance is available.
Good to know: agencies usually charge a fee, whether you're renting or buying. For rentals, this is often one month's rent. For purchases, it's typically a percentage of the sale price, paid by the seller.
Sources
- Buying a home — belgium.be
- Housing in Flanders — vlaanderen.be
- Province of West Flanders — west-vlaanderen.be
