Investing in Student Housing in Belgium

Student housing: a high-yield niche

With over 500,000 students in Belgian higher education and very low vacancy in university cities, student housing remains one of the most profitable real estate niches. Gross yields of 5 to 8% far exceed the 3 to 4% of a standard rental apartment.

Best university cities for investment

1. Louvain-la-Neuve : The safe bet

• Students: 30,000+ (UCLouvain)
• Gross yield: 5.5 to 7%
• Purchase price: 80,000 to 140,000 EUR
• Monthly rent: 400 to 600 EUR

2. Leuven : The Flemish premium

• Students: 60,000+ (KU Leuven)
• Gross yield: 4.5 to 6%
• Purchase price: 120,000 to 200,000 EUR

3. Brussels : The volume play

• Students: 100,000+
• Gross yield: 4 to 6%
• Purchase price: 100,000 to 250,000 EUR

4. Ghent : The balance

• Students: 75,000+ (UGent)
• Gross yield: 4.5 to 6%
• Purchase price: 100,000 to 180,000 EUR

5. Liege : The accessibility

• Students: 40,000+ (ULiege)
• Gross yield: 5.5 to 8% (best value)
• Purchase price: 60,000 to 120,000 EUR

6. Namur : The potential

• Students: 15,000+ (UNamur)
• Gross yield: 5 to 7%
• Purchase price: 70,000 to 130,000 EUR

Kot regulations

Regulations vary by region: mandatory rental permit or conformity certificate, fire safety standards, minimum surface area and specific student lease contracts.

Taxation

• Rental income taxed on indexed cadastral income
• Annual property tax (precompte immobilier)
• No capital gains tax if sold after 5 years

Check our return calculation guide.

Risks

• Annual turnover and refurbishment costs
• Summer vacancy (1-2 months)
• Faster wear and tear
• Active management required

Explore prices in university cities via our data per municipality.

FAQ

What minimum budget for a student kot?

In Liege from 60,000 EUR. In Leuven, budget at least 120,000 EUR.

Is the yield really higher than a standard apartment?

Yes, gross yields of 5-8% versus 3-4% for standard residential, but management is more intensive.

Is a specific permit needed to rent a kot?

Yes, in all three regions a rental permit or conformity certificate is required.