Namaste, fellow expats! Moving to Belgium is an exciting adventure, but finding the right accommodation can be a challenge. Don’t worry, your NamasteBelgium community is here to help you navigate the process with ease.
Summary timeline for a typical move
- Scenario 1 : Arrive -> Rent in BBF for 3 months -> Rent a more permanent home (immoweb.be) -> buy a house (after 3 years)
- Scenario 2 : Arrive -> Rent in hotel/airbnb (15 days) -> Rent a more permanent home (immoweb.be) -> buy a house (after 3 years)
Short-Term Stays: Settling In
- BBF Serviced Apartments: Looking for the convenience of a hotel with the comforts of home? BBF offers fully furnished apartments with essential amenities. Plus, their rental agreements (for more than 3 months stay) meet the requirements for your residence card application. more infomation here.
- Homelike Serviced Apartments: Home like is a service apartment provider like bbf More information here.
- Airbnb: This global platform is perfect for your initial stay in Belgium. You’ll find a wide variety of apartments and houses to suit your budget and preferences.
Finding Your Long-Term Nest
- Immoweb.be: This is the go-to website for long-term rentals in Belgium. Use their filters to narrow down your search by location, price, and size. Pro Tip: Be sure to check out the “Colocation” (shared housing) section for more affordable options.
- Ask the NamasteBelgium Community! Ask in forums or post in whatsapp community. Our members are a treasure trove of information. Post a message in the forum asking for leads on apartments or if anyone has a room to rent in their home.
Shared Housing: A Great Way to Meet New People
Belgium offers various student housing options, often referred to as “kot.” Whether you prefer a shared house, an apartment, or a private studio, finding your ideal accommodation is easy with resources like online property portals (Immoweb, Spotahome) and specialized kot rental platforms:
- Bru Kot
- iKot
- Kot à Liège
- Kotatgent
- Kotweb
Most Belgian universities also provide student housing. University residence halls generally cost €200-€400 per month, while private rentals average between €400 and €600.
- Facebook Groups: Several Facebook groups cater to Indian expats in Belgium. Search for “Indians in Belgium” or “Expats in [city name]” to find relevant groups with room listings.
- The NamasteBelgium Forum: Ask in forums or post in whatsapp community. Don’t forget to check our very own community forum! Start a thread asking for roommates or share your own room availability.
Staying Safe: Watch Out for Scams
Housing scams are very common, be vigilant and dont transfer any money without personally visiting the apartment/house.
- Never send money without seeing the apartment in person. Beware of high-pressure tactics from landlords or agents.
- Research neighborhoods. Some areas of Brussels are more popular with the Indian community. Our forum is a great place to ask for recommendations.
Popular Neighborhoods for Indians in Brussels
- Evere: A vibrant community with many Indian shops and restaurants.
- Etterbeek, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (WSL), Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (WSP), Uccle: These are generally considered safe and family-friendly areas.
Neighborhoods to Avoid
- Areas around the North Station, City Center, Anderlecht, and Molenbeek can be less desirable due to higher crime rates.
Need More Help?
We’re here for you! Join our NamasteBelgium community events, workshops, and webinars to connect with fellow expats and get insider tips on everything from finding a home to settling into Belgian life.
Let’s Make Belgium Your New Home!
