Short-term rental in Brussels: how much does it really earn?
If you own a property in Brussels, you have probably wondered: is short-term rental more profitable than a traditional lease?
The short answer: yes. But the numbers vary widely depending on the neighbourhood, the type of property and the quality of the management. Here are the real figures, based on the 100+ properties we manage every day.
Short-term vs long-term: the gap is clear
In Brussels, a short-term rental property generates on average 2 to 3 times more revenue than a traditional lease, even after deducting management fees and low-season periods.
| Criteria | Traditional lease | Short-term rental |
|---|---|---|
| Gross annual yield | 3-5% | 8-15% |
| Monthly income (2-bed apartment in Ixelles) | €1,200-1,500 | €3,000-5,000* |
| Flexibility (personal use) | No | Yes |
| Tenant commitment | 3-9 years | None |
*Before management commission and cleaning fees. Actual results depend on the property and the season.
Which neighbourhoods are the most profitable?
Profitability varies with the traveller profile and demand in each commune:
| Commune | Traveller profile | Average nightly rate | Estimated occupancy rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ixelles | Business, students | €95-220 | 75-85% |
| Saint-Gilles | Leisure, creatives | €85-180 | 70-80% |
| Etterbeek | EU officials | €85-190 | 80-90% |
| Bruxelles-Ville | Tourism | €100-250 | 65-80% |
| Uccle | Expat families | €130-300 | 70-85% |
What makes the difference
The same property can generate very different results depending on three factors:
1. The quality of the listing
Professional photos and optimised copy can increase the number of bookings by 30 to 50%. It is the first investment to make.
2. Dynamic pricing
A fixed price all year round leaves money on the table. By adjusting every day based on demand, events and the season, you maximise revenue.
3. Responsiveness
Travellers who receive a reply in under 10 minutes book twice as often. Our average response time is under 10 minutes.
A concrete example
Two-bedroom apartment in Ixelles, managed by Sabimmo:
- Gross annual revenue: €38,400 (€3,200/month on average)
- Management commission (15%): €5,760
- Cleaning fees (charged to the guest): €0 at your expense
- Net annual income: €32,640
That is 2.5 times more than the estimated traditional rent for the same property (€1,200/month × 12 = €14,400).
What about regulation?
Short-term rental is legal in Brussels, subject to conditions: registering the tourist accommodation, meeting safety standards, and paying the city tax. We support our clients through all these steps — it is included in our service.
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