Housing

Housing

There is a wide stock of properties in Belgium ranging from studio apartments to large family homes in substantial grounds. Due to the cosmopolitan nature and geographical position of Belgium, there is a good range of rental property available. However, as with every location, there are good, bad and indifferent areas, both in the Capital and in the regions.

Properties have styles of their own; very rarely will you find British style housing estates, where often there are many properties of similar style built by the same builder. The custom in Belgium is for more individual style properties; often you will find some are aesthetically stunning and alongside there are others which are far less so.

Some family homes will have large living areas, often with open fireplaces which are extremely popular. In the city, car parking and garages are at a premium although elsewhere, these are normal. Many newer homes are timber-framed in construction but are nonetheless, sound and sturdy properties.

Fitted wardrobes are virtually unknown and bathrooms and kitchens tend to be more functional than dreamlike. Kitchen units are often quite basic, perhaps with one or two attractive ideas included, but are often built to a standard model with white units and twin sinks. En-suite bathrooms are sometimes available and again “his’n’her” sinks are quite common.

If you are renting an unfurnished property, there are unlikely to be any curtains or light bulbs.

Most leases are of the standard legal form in Belgium. This should always be checked by an expert to ensure that there are no onerous or unfair clauses. A 9 year lease which includes a break-clause is the preferred model and often the best form of lease for the tenant. If a shorter term is signed and needs to be terminated early, even under the agreed notice, or alternatively needs to be extended, even for a short period, this can be very costly. In addition, increases in the rent are fixed for the whole nine years.

When taking occupancy under a lease, a detailed survey will be made of the property. This is a form of detailed inventory of the property, known as an “Etat-des lieux” and will be carried out by an “Expert”.

It is normal to pay a security deposit of two months rent although it may be possible to deal with this by way of a letter of indemnity or guarantee.