Brussels Housing Crisis: 602,000 Homes for 575,000 Families, Yet Rents Keep Rising

Brussels (Eurotoday): Brussels faces a housing crisis with 602,000 homes for 575,000 families. Rent increased by 4.1% in 2023, impacting low-income families, 28% of people below the poverty line. The social housing waiting list grew by 9%, affecting over 53,800 families. In 2022, there were 7,134 homeless individuals, with projections suggesting this could rise to 10,000 in 2024.

In Brussels, there are around 602,000 homes for 575,000 families, but it is difficult to find affordable places to live. Most people rent their homes, making Brussels the most expensive city in Belgium. In 2023, new rents increased by 4.1 percent compared to last year. 40 percent can only afford a small part of the rental market. 28 percent of people in Brussels live below the poverty line, which is much higher than in Flanders.

What measures are being taken to address Brussels’ growing social housing crisis?

Brussels is struggling with social housing as house prices rise and fewer homes are available. The waiting list for social housing grew by 9 percent in 2023, affecting 53,801 families. There were also 6,354 new requests, a 40 percent increase from last year. About 31 percent of people live in overcrowded homes, and 10 percent require better housing.

In 2022, there were 7,134 homeless people, including 977 minors. About 2,400 of them were living on the streets, while others stayed in shelters or with friends. There are worries that this number could rise to 10,000 this year. This problem also costs a lot of money, with researchers saying that homelessness can cost between 30,000 and 85,000 euros per person each year, depending on their needs and the services they use.