Finding and renting your future home in Brussels

Relocating to Brussels is an exciting step — whether you’re coming for work, study, or a fresh start in Europe’s most international city. But when it comes to finding a home in Brussels, doing it from abroad can feel overwhelming. With a few smart moves and some local know-how, it’s absolutely possible to secure quality expat housing before you arrive — and avoid the common pitfalls. Some arrive before their family and want a short accommodation, others will be moving alone and commuting back home, others are coming with all of their belongings for an indefinite stay. We welcome 45,000 newcomers every year and there is definitely an accommodation for you!

Understanding the Brussels Rental Landscape

The quality of housing in Brussels can vary tremendously. That’s because most properties here are privately owned, and landlords range from hands-on professionals to casual investors — and everything in between. You’ll find beautifully maintained apartments next to outdated, neglected flats sometimes within the same building.

For this reason, working with a reputable company or professional realtor is strongly recommended — especially if you can’t view the property in person. Trusted providers like Morton Place specialize in homes for expats, offering consistency, transparency, and support tailored to the international community.

When to Start Looking

Timing depends on the type of housing you’re after:

• Family-sized and long-term unfurnished homes are typically listed 3-4 months before move-in with a seasonal surge at Easter time for August move ins in time for school term

• Smaller furnished flats and coliving spaces, like those offered by Morton Place, are usually available on shorter notice — around 4–8 weeks before your move. January, September-October are very busy months as is March due to the Bluebook traineeship dates and seasonal hiring at the EU institutions. You can expect more competition if you are looking for a space with those start dates.

If you’re relocating with a family or have specific location needs (like proximity to schools), start early. But for more flexible accommodation, a later search window works just fine.

If you can’t be there in person, Always Ask for a Video Tour

If you’re not in Brussels to view the property in person, insist on a live video tour. Photos can be outdated or misleading — and you’ll want to see the condition of the space, how much natural light it gets, and ask questions in real time. There are also quite a few scammers in the Brussels market, even on reputable sites such as immoweb.

A reliable agent or rental company will be happy to provide this. At Morton Place, we regularly offer virtual tours so you can book your future home with confidence.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

The rental market here isn’t without its risks, especially for internationals who can’t be here in person. Keep your eye out for these red flags:

🚩 Requests for money before signing a lease or seeing the property — this is not legal in Brussels. No legitimate landlord or agent will ask for a deposit or reservation fee before a contract is in place.
🚩 Large security deposits — by law, a standard deposit is usually maximum two months’ rent, held in a blocked bank account.
🚩 No option to be domiciled — if a landlord tells you you can’t register your address (known as domiciliation), it may indicate the property is not legally registered for full-time residence. You’ll need to be domiciled for visas, banking, healthcare, and more.

Working with professional, transparent providers ensures you’re protected — and not left dealing with complications once you arrive.

🏠 Living Solo vs. Living Social

Not everyone wants to live alone — especially if you’re commuting from another country while your partner or family remains back home. Many expats in this situation look for homes for expats that provide community and comfort, without the commitment of a long-term lease or the isolation of a solo flat.

That’s where Morton Place comes in. Our beautifully furnished shared homes are designed for professionals who want a balance of privacy and connection — a home where you can close the door when you need space, or have a glass of wine with housemates after work.

💬 “I split my time between Brussels and my family in Germany so Morton Place was the perfect home base. It’s quiet when I need it, social when I want it, and I never feel like I’m ‘just passing through’.” – Pieter, Morton Place Chatelain

🤝 Why Trust a Professional Rental Company

Securing expat housing from abroad doesn’t have to be stressful — when you work with the right people. Morton Place is designed specifically for internationals living in Brussels, whether short- or long-term.

Our homes include:

• Private rooms with en-suite or shared bathrooms

• Fully furnished spaces, from kitchen to linens

• Weekly cleaning, utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi

• Domiciliation options and professional rental contracts

• Flexible lease terms

• A warm, social environment with fellow professionals

💬 “The house was clean, stylish, and cozy, but it’s really the community that made Morton Place feel like home. The welcome drink was a lovely touch — I made friends that first night!” – Clara, Morton Place Parvis

✅ Final Checklist: Securing Your Home in Brussels

✔️ Start your search 4–12 weeks before your move
✔️ Choose a reputable agency or expat housing provider
✔️ Request a live video tour
✔️ Never pay before a lease is signed 
✔️ Confirm that domiciliation is allowed
✔️ Choose a living style that matches your lifestyle — solo, family, or social

Ready to get started?
➡️ Reach out today to book a virtual tour at Morton Place, explore our availability, and secure your Brussels home — before you even arrive!