Short Stay Housing in Brussels

The Challenge of Short-Term Housing in Brussels

The Belgian rental market is notoriously rigid when it comes to lease lengths. Standard residential leases run for three years (with a penalty for early termination), and even "short-term" leases are typically a minimum of one year. For people who need housing for just a few months — interns, project workers, digital nomads, or expats testing the city — this is a major problem.

Airbnb is an option for very short stays, but it is expensive for anything longer than a couple of weeks. Serviced apartments exist but can cost 1,500 to 2,500 EUR per month. Subletting carries legal risks in Belgium if not done properly.

This is where coliving shines. Several Brussels coliving operators offer genuinely flexible lease terms, making them the best option for short and medium-term stays.

Flexible Coliving Operators

Here is how the major Brussels operators handle short-term stays:

• Habyt — One of the most flexible operators. Offers month-to-month contracts with short notice periods. Ideal for digital nomads and people who are unsure how long they will stay.
• LiveColonies — Offers flexible lease terms starting from three months. Their hotel-like amenities make them particularly suited for temporary stays.
• Corners — Minimum stay of three months, with flexible extensions. Premium experience for professionals on project-based assignments.
• Cohabs — Standard leases of six to twelve months, but some properties offer shorter terms. Worth inquiring about availability for shorter stays.
• Neybor — Flexible terms available, typically starting from three months. Good mid-range option for short stays.
• Colive, Ikoab, and Morton Place — Vary by property, but generally more flexible than the traditional market. Contact them directly for short-stay options.

Short Stays for Digital Nomads

Brussels is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. The city offers excellent internet infrastructure (average speeds above 100 Mbps), a central European location with easy access to Paris, Amsterdam, and London, and a cost of living that is reasonable compared to other Western European capitals.

For digital nomads, coliving offers the perfect setup: a furnished room with reliable Wi-Fi, a coworking-friendly environment, and a built-in community of international professionals. Many coliving houses have dedicated work areas, and some operators organize networking events and social activities.

The best neighborhoods for nomads are Ixelles (cafe culture and coworking spaces), Saint-Gilles (creative scene), and Brussels City center (maximum connectivity and convenience).

Monthly Rentals and Internships

Brussels hosts thousands of interns every year, particularly at EU institutions, law firms, and NGOs. Most internships last three to six months — a period that is too long for a hotel but too short for a traditional lease.

Coliving is the ideal solution for interns. The all-inclusive pricing makes budgeting easy, the community aspect helps you build a social network fast, and the furnished rooms mean you can focus on your work rather than setting up a household.

Popular areas for interns include Etterbeek (close to EU institutions), Ixelles (great social scene), and Schaerbeek (more affordable). Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Uccle are also good options for those seeking quieter surroundings.