B-Square opens its doors for Brussels expats

BBF Apartments Launches New Residence Near Tour & Taxis

September 3, 2024
News, Rental Apartments, Serviced Apartments

BBF Apartments is opening their new residence, Escaut.

Escaut is located in a booming region of Brussels near Tour & Taxis. BBF Apartments will offer a blend of residential and serviced apartments that cater to a diverse clientele. The unfurnished apartments are already available, while the furnished units with services will be ready by the second week of September.

BBF Residences in the Spotlight

BBF Apartments has established itself as a leading provider of serviced apartments, catering to international organisations and professionals seeking quality accommodation in Belgium. Depending on the type of stay, our amenities include modern furniture, high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, bi-weekly cleanings, linens and towels, and coverage for essential utilities. Our multilingual team provides round-the-clock assistance for any inquiries or emergencies.

The history of BBF apartments is intertwined with the development of Brussels as a hub for international business and diplomacy. Over the years, BBF has expanded its portfolio to include over 1,300 rental apartments in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. The region around Tour & taxis and Gare Maritime has been undergoing a transformative renaissance, emerging as a hub of opportunity for businesses. A new residence in one of Brussels’s most dynamic growth areas could not be missing from the portfolio of BBF Apartments.

The entire Brussels Capital Region can be easily reached by public transport. The Brussels-Charleroi Canal, which runs close by Escaut, has spurred development, with waterside warehouses being converted into trendy apartments and office spaces. The installation of new pedestrian and bicycle bridges has further integrated the region with the central parts of Brussels. Many of the public spaces have already undergone remodelling, with more planned soon. This urban renewal has attracted a wave of new residents and businesses, creating a vibrant community.

Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union, is a dynamic city that offers a plethora of opportunities for expatriates. The city’s job market is as diverse as its population, with a significant presence of international institutions, NGOs, and multinational corporations. Besides being the home of the European Union and NATO, it also boasts a large services sector, including finance, business, health, and social services.

Brussels Tackles Illegal Airbnb’s

February 26, 2024
News, Rental Apartments, Serviced Apartments

Brussels Takes Steps to Protect Affordable Housing by Tackling Illegal Airbnb's

Central Brussels has a high concentration of Airbnb listings, with more than 90% estimated to not conform with the legal requirements. To combat scarcity in the Brussels housing market, the so-called “Airbnb ordinance” sets out stricter rules on renting tourist accommodation via online platforms.

After much controversy and legal battles with Airbnb, the Territorial Development Commission approved a draft ordinance to better protect the Brussels rental market. The ordinance was accepted by Brussels Parliament at the end of January.

Latest BBF Residences

Antwerp

Ghent

Brussels

1. The Impact of Airbnb on Housing Markets

Airbnb, as a platform for short-term accommodations, has emerged as a way for landlords to promote their properties to short-term renters. While it expands the rental housing market, it also affects long-term rentals, including affordable housing in several ways. The “Airbnb Effect” is not limited to specific regions; it’s a global phenomenon. In the United Kingdom and other countries, Airbnb’s growth has contributed to housing shortages and increased prices. In November 2023, an entire building of illegal Airbnb flats was sealed in the city centre of Brussels. These practices were deemed detrimental to the regular rental market and miles away from Airbnb’s original idea.

The presence of Airbnb units in a community has led to a decrease in long-term rental supply including affordable housing. This reduction harms local renters who rely on stable, long-term housing options. While Airbnb offers economic benefits, the costs to tenants and local jurisdictions likely exceed the benefits to travelers and property owners. Short-term rentals also disproportionately benefit high-wealth individuals.

2. Stricter Rules for Airbnb Operators in Brussels

Brussels City has the highest density of short-stay accommodation units offered on online rental platforms in the region. The new ordinance aims to combat illegal tourist accommodation while striving for a healthy social mix, especially in the city centre. This balance is only possible if residential functions are protected, and renting remains affordable for Brussels residents. By striking this balance, Brussels aims to ensure that its residents can find affordable housing while still accommodating tourists through responsible platforms.

Central to the new ordinance are updated rules for those registering to use Airbnb or a similar platform with the regional public service Brussels Economy and Employment (BEW/BEE). To obtain necessary approval, operators must meet updated criteria for:

Urban Planning: Ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations.
Safety Standards: Including fire protection measures.
Accounting: Proper financial reporting.

The new ordinance is a revision of legislation that came into effect in 2016 but remained largely unenforced due to an unworkable registration procedure. Currently, an estimated 90% of tourist accommodations offered are in a legal grey zone because obtaining an urban conformity certificate (the *permis d’urbanisme*) has been challenging, partly due to different interpretations of requirements by the region’s 19 municipalities.

3. Following other major cities

Other cities worldwide have also implemented stricter regulations on Airbnb. For instance:

New York City: In September 2023, New York City began enforcing “a de facto ban on short-term rentals.” The rules require hosts to register their listings with the city, limit rentals to one property per host, and prohibit rentals for less than 30 days unless the host is present.
Paris: Since 2015, the city has imposed fines on owners who rent out secondary apartments or more than one property without a city-approved license. In 2019, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced her plans to impose a €12.5 million fine on Airbnb for unregistered ads.
Barcelona: In May 2018, the Spanish coastal city instructed Airbnb to remove 2,577 listings that it found to be operating without a city-approved license, or face substantial fines.
Berlin: Since 2018, hosts need to obtain a permit from the city to rent out their properties. The city also limits the number of nights that hosts can rent out their properties to 90 per year.
San Francisco: In 2014, the city legalized short-term rentals, but required hosts to register with the city, pay taxes, and limit rentals to 90 days per year. The city also limits the number of properties a host can list to one.

These are just some examples of how different cities have tried to balance the benefits and challenges of short-term rentals. The regulations are constantly evolving, so it’s important to check the latest rules before booking or hosting an Airbnb.

4. The ease of Serviced and Furnished appartments

While it might take a while before this new legislation is enforced to its fullest extent, it does seem like short stays with Airbnb in Brussels are coming to an end. If you are looking for accommodation, starting at 3 months, choosing furnished apartments offers numerous advantages. From the convenience and cost-effectiveness to the comfort and flexibility they provide, furnished apartments offer a home away from home experience that is tailored to the needs of expats. The fully equipped apartments, along with the additional space, create a comfortable and homely environment. The flexibility in lease duration and the opportunity to customize your living space add to the appeal of furnished apartments. Moreover, the amenities and services offered by many furnished apartment buildings enhance the expat experience. Whether you’re staying in Belgium for a few months or a few years, furnished apartments provide the ideal accommodation solution for expats seeking comfort, convenience, and a sense of home in this vibrant country.

Bright Festival 2024: Follow the Light

February 9, 2024
News, Rental Apartments, Serviced Apartments

Bright Festival 2024: Follow the Light

Every year in February, the city of Brussels, transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle of lights and colours. The Bright Festival, held from 15 to 18 February 2024, is an annual event that illuminates the winter nights and brings warmth to the hearts of its visitors.

The festival will brighten two of the city’s emblematic neighbourhoods: the Royal Quarter and the European Quarter. This year, the festival shines a spotlight on Europe and its values, in conjunction with the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During four enchanting nights, you’ll find about thirty different installations created by multiple international artists. Each of them leaves its mark on the city’s numerous sights.