Airbnb’s impact on Brussels’ housing market has sparked growing concern among local officials and residents. With a housing crisis underway, many question how short-term rentals affect the availability and affordability of homes in the city. On 2025-05-15 19:45:00, Brussels alderman Maes highlighted the urgent need to keep residents in their neighbourhoods.
- Brussels faces ongoing housing crisis
- Airbnb accounts for 2% housing supply
- Some streets show 33% Airbnb rentals
- Large companies violate Airbnb regulations
- Parliament enforces stricter rent control
- Officials aim to curb illegal Airbnb use
Research reveals that while only about two percent of Brussels’ housing stock is listed on Airbnb, some areas like the Vijfhoek see up to 33 percent of homes used as tourist rentals. This disparity raises the question: how much do these rentals worsen the rental market shortage and drive up prices?
Maes argues that the problem is not just numbers but the social impact and rental market distortion caused by commercial operators. Could stricter regulations help reclaim housing for locals? The city’s recent legislative changes aim to do just that, but will they succeed?
Is Airbnb a major culprit or just a symptom of a deeper housing issue? The focus on large companies exploiting the market suggests a need for targeted enforcement rather than blanket bans. Key points include:
- Two percent overall Airbnb listings but up to 33 percent in some streets intensify local shortages.
- Illegal commercial rentals remove homes from the long-term market, inflating rents and causing nuisance.
- New rules cap rent increases at 20% above reference prices, sparking debate among landlords and developers.
- Authorities prioritize dialogue with private owners over fines to reintegrate homes into the rental pool.
As Brussels tightens regulations, the question remains: will these measures restore balance or push more owners toward illegal short-term rentals? Ongoing vigilance and community engagement will be crucial to ensure that Brussels remains a livable city for its residents.
