Student housing shortage in Brussels in 2026: Homestay becomes the go-to solution for the new academic year

Searching for a student room in Brussels in 2026 is increasingly becoming a real obstacle course. Faced with skyrocketing demand and an supply that is struggling to keep pace, thousands of young people find themselves in a state of uncertainty as the academic year approaches. At Roomlala, we are closely monitoring these developments in the Belgian real estate market. Fortunately, one solution that is at once economical, socially responsible, and warm is clearly standing out this year: the homestay. We decode this trend that is reshaping the student housing landscape in the European capital.

The market reality: Finding a student room in Brussels in 2026 is a challenge

The student housing situation in Belgium has reached a critical point. According to the latest verified data, the country is suffering from an alarming structural shortage, estimated at nearly 70,000 missing student units for the year 2026. This supply crisis is hitting major university centers hard, and Brussels sadly ranks among the top cities most severely affected by this historic deficit.

Read also: Student housing in Flanders: What you need to know about the student lease for the 2026 school year, Start of the 2026 academic year in Italy: The advantages of Canone Concordato for renting out your room and Regulation of Short-Term Rentals: What is Changing for Students in Spain for the Start of the 2026 Academic Year

In municipalities highly popular with students, such as Ixelles, Etterbeek, or Auderghem, the real estate tension is palpable. Listings for traditional student rooms disappear within hours, leaving many young people and their parents in growing anxiety as the start of the university year in Belgium approaches. This scarcity inevitably has a direct impact on prices, which have undergone constant inflation in recent years, making access to housing increasingly elitist.

Today, the average rent for a student room in Brussels in 2026 fluctuates between 600 and 650 euros per month, including utilities. This amount represents a massive portion of a student's budget, if not an insurmountable barrier for families with modest incomes. Faced with this surge in prices, finding more viable financial alternatives is no longer just a choice, but an absolute necessity to ensure equal opportunity in accessing higher education.

It is within this context of student housing shortages that behaviors are shifting. Young people are moving away from traditional real estate agencies to turn toward collaborative solutions. At Roomlala, we are seeing a spectacular increase in searches for shared housing or accommodation with private individuals, proving that the current crisis is forcing the market to reinvent itself toward greater solidarity.

The student homestay: The economical and human alternative

Substantial savings in the face of inflation

The student homestay is now establishing itself as the most pragmatic response to the surge in Brussels rents. By renting an available room within a primary residence, students can hope to reduce their housing budget by 20 to 30% compared to a standard individual student room. Furthermore, utilities (water, electricity, internet) are generally included in the rent, thus avoiding unpleasant surprises at the end of the month related to the energy crisis.

Let's take a concrete example: Julien, a master's student at the ULB, was desperately looking for a place for less than 650 euros. By using Roomlala, he found a furnished room with a retired couple in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre for 450 euros per month, all utilities included. This savings of 200 euros per month allows him to fund his transportation passes and groceries without having to hold down two student jobs.

For hosts, it is also a financial boon. Renting an unoccupied room allows for the generation of significant supplemental income, which is particularly welcome for coping with the rising cost of living or for funding energy renovation work in their home.

The richness of intergenerational cohabitation

Beyond the purely financial aspect, the homestay offers an invaluable human dimension. For many students, especially those leaving the family nest for the first time or international students, arriving in a large city like Brussels can be a source of isolation. Living with a local resident allows for a gentle and reassuring immersion.

A frequent use case on our platform is that of international students. Maria, who came from Spain for an Erasmus exchange, chose to live in a homestay. Her host, a Brussels native passionate about her city, helped her understand the subtleties of waste sorting in Belgium, introduced her to local markets, and even helped her practice her French in her daily life. This social bond is a true added value compared to the loneliness of a small studio apartment.

This solidarity works both ways. Many older hosts find in this arrangement a helpful and reassuring presence. Intergenerational cohabitation recreates social bonds at the heart of cities, transforming a simple real estate transaction into a genuine human and solidarity-driven adventure.

The legal and practical framework: Everything you need to know about student leases in Brussels

A flexible and adapted contract: The student lease

In Brussels, renting a room to a student is strictly regulated by a specific and secure arrangement: the "student lease." This contract has been designed to adapt perfectly to the academic rhythm. It is concluded for a maximum duration of 12 months, which ideally corresponds to one school year, and can be renewed easily if both parties wish.

One of the major assets of this lease is its flexibility for the tenant. The law provides that the student can terminate the contract at any time, with only 2 months' notice. This flexibility is crucial for young people who might change their field of study, go on an internship abroad, or encounter financial difficulties during the year.

However, to benefit from this advantageous regime, a strict condition applies. For example, if Thomas wishes to sign a student lease for his room in Schaerbeek, he must imperatively provide his host with official proof of academic registration (or proof of a registration application) at the time of signing, or at the latest one month before moving in. Without this document, the contract could be reclassified as a standard primary residence lease.

At Roomlala, we always encourage our users to use contract templates that comply with current Brussels legislation in order to protect both the host and the tenant throughout their cohabitation.

Taxation and standards for Brussels hosts

Hosting a student in your home also involves some administrative and tax responsibilities. Brussels hosts who start renting out furnished rooms must inquire with their municipal administration regarding the tax on furnished dwellings. It is important to note that, fortunately, duly enrolled students are generally exempt from the second residence tax, which significantly lightens the tax burden of the operation.

Property compliance is another non-negotiable point of vigilance. The rented room must imperatively respect Brussels standards for safety, habitability, and health (smoke detectors, ventilation, minimum square footage, etc.). We remind you that a healthy room is the foundation of a serene cohabitation.

To promote their property and reassure candidates, hosts can apply for the "Student Housing Label" issued by the Brussels-Capital Region. Take the example of Sophie, a host in Jette: by obtaining this free label after an inspection visit from the administration, she was able to certify the quality of her room on her Roomlala listing, thus attracting serious students and reassuring their parents regarding the safety of the premises.

Our tips for long-term rentals in Brussels in total safety

The high tension that characterizes the long-term rental market in Brussels unfortunately has a perverse effect: the resurgence of online scams. Ill-intentioned individuals take advantage of students' desperation as the start of the year approaches to post fake listings for student rooms, often at prices that defy all competition and using stolen photos from the internet.

A classic example of a scam is the fake host who claims to be abroad for professional reasons. They ask the student to pay one or two months' rent as a deposit via an untraceable money transfer, promising to send the keys by mail or to have a relative show the property. Of course, once the money is paid, the alleged host disappears. It is crucial to remember a golden rule: never pay any deposit before having visited the premises (physically or via a certified video call) and signed a lease in due form.

This is precisely where the use of a secure platform like Roomlala makes perfect sense. We verify the profiles of our members and offer a secure online payment system. The booking amount is held in an escrow account and is only released to the host 48 hours after the student has successfully moved in. This mechanism completely eliminates the risk of financial fraud related to fake listings.

Finally, to maximize your chances during your search, prepare a solid and transparent rental application.

• A copy of your ID card
• Your proof of university registration
• A short cover letter explaining your lifestyle
• Any financial guarantees (parents as guarantors)