Buying an Apartment in Brussels: A Neighbourhood-by-Neighbourhood Guide

Why Buy an Apartment in Brussels in 2025?

Brussels remains one of Belgium's most dynamic real estate markets. With a median price of 250,000 euros for an apartment according to Statbel, the capital offers a wide range of options, from gentrifying neighbourhoods to upscale residential municipalities. The Brussels market saw a slight correction in 2024, making some properties more accessible than two years ago.

Buying in Brussels also means investing in a very active rental market: over 60% of residents are tenants, making it an ideal city for rental investment. European institutions, international organisations, and a diversified economy guarantee sustained rental demand.

The Pentagon and Central Neighbourhoods

City of Brussels (Centre)

The historic heart of the capital offers intense urban living. Apartments around the Grand-Place, the Dansaert district, and Sainte-Catherine attract young professionals and expats. Median price: 220,000 to 280,000 euros for a 2-bedroom. Advantages: cultural life, restaurants, transport. Downside: noise and parking difficulties.

Saint-Gilles

A cosmopolitan municipality undergoing gentrification, Saint-Gilles attracts with its artistic atmosphere and Art Nouveau buildings. The Parvis area and the Barriere neighbourhood offer characterful apartments. Median price: 230,000 euros. Strong rental demand and interesting yields for investors.

Ixelles

From Place Flagey to the European Quarter, Ixelles is one of the most sought-after municipalities. The Chatelain neighbourhood is renowned for its shops and community feel. Prices are high: 280,000 to 350,000 euros for a 2-bedroom apartment. Proximity to universities (ULB, VUB) ensures a dynamic rental market.

South-Eastern Municipalities: Residential and Green

Uccle

Uccle offers a green setting with the Fort Jaco neighbourhood, the Bois de la Cambre, and numerous parks. Popular with families and diplomats, it is one of the most expensive municipalities: 300,000 to 400,000 euros for an apartment. Excellent schools and a village atmosphere.

Watermael-Boitsfort

Brussels' greenest municipality thanks to the Sonian Forest. The garden cities of Le Logis and Le Floreal are unique architectural ensembles. Median price: 260,000 euros. Ideal for those seeking tranquillity while remaining in Brussels.

Auderghem

More affordable than its neighbours, Auderghem offers good value for money. The Rouge-Cloitre and the Sonian Forest ponds are major natural assets. Median price: 240,000 euros. Well served by metro and tram.

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

The two Woluwes are residential municipalities favoured by families. Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is more exclusive (320,000 euros median), while Woluwe-Saint-Lambert offers slightly more diversity (270,000 euros). Excellent schools, Woluwe Park, and quick access to the centre via metro.

Etterbeek

Between the European Quarter and the Chasse neighbourhood, Etterbeek offers a good compromise. Renovated apartments near the Cinquantenaire Park are in high demand. Median price: 260,000 euros. Ideal for EU institution workers.

Municipalities in Full Development

Schaerbeek

Schaerbeek is undergoing a profound transformation. The areas around Place Colignon and Josaphat Park are attracting growing numbers of buyers. Median price: 200,000 euros, well below the Brussels average. Strong capital gain potential in the medium term.

Forest

Forest benefits from the Midi area's dynamism and proximity to Saint-Gilles. The Altitude Cent neighbourhood offers breathtaking views over Brussels. Median price: 210,000 euros. Numerous urban renewal projects are underway.

Anderlecht

Long overlooked, Anderlecht now attracts first-time buyers with competitive prices: 180,000 euros median. The canal district and Cureghem are undergoing major transformation. The arrival of metro line 3 (planned for 2030) should boost prices.

Molenbeek-Saint-Jean

Molenbeek offers the lowest apartment prices in Brussels: 170,000 euros median. The maritime district and canal banks are experiencing significant revitalisation. It is a bold choice that could prove very profitable in time.

Northern and Eastern Municipalities

Evere

A family municipality with parks and good bus connections. Median price: 220,000 euros. Evere benefits from the NATO headquarters presence and offers a pleasant residential setting.

Jette

Village atmosphere in northern Brussels, Jette offers reasonable prices (215,000 euros) and a green environment with the Jeugd Park and Laerbeek Wood. Good connection to the centre via metro.

Ganshoren and Berchem-Sainte-Agathe

These two small north-western municipalities offer a quiet, family-friendly setting. Median prices around 200,000 to 220,000 euros. Less well served by public transport, they suit those who prioritise space and calm.

Koekelberg

Brussels' smallest municipality, dominated by the Koekelberg Basilica. Median price: 195,000 euros. An up-and-coming area with good capital gain potential.

Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

Belgium's most densely populated municipality offers very accessible prices: 175,000 euros median. Ideal for a first rental investment, with gross yields reaching 5 to 6%.

Practical Tips for Buying in Brussels

• Visit at different times: a quiet neighbourhood on Sunday can be noisy on weekdays. Return in the evening and during the day.
• Check the EPC: older Brussels apartments often have poor energy scores. A low EPC (E, F, G) means energy renovation works will be needed. See our EPC guide.
• Calculate the charges: in co-ownership, charges can run from 150 to 300 euros per month. Request the minutes of general assemblies.
• Anticipate costs: registration fees are 12.5% in Brussels (with possible reduction for own residence). Use our notary fee calculator.
• Think about resale: neighbourhoods well served by metro and close to parks have the best capital gain potential.

For detailed data on every Brussels municipality, explore our price-per-municipality pages with up-to-date Statbel statistics.