Flanders rental market faces supply pressure amid landlord disinvestment

The rental market in Flanders is facing significant pressure due to high demand and a decreasing willingness among private landlords to invest in rental properties. Data from real estate group Dewaele indicates that the number of candidates per available property has risen sharply, from 16 in 2021 to an average of 38 last year. In some cases, up to 100 candidates may apply for a single property within 24 hours.

A survey of approximately 300 private landlords revealed that only one in five intends to reinvest in rental real estate in the coming years. Furthermore, more than one in four landlords would prefer to sell their property rather than undertake major renovations. This trend is driven largely by private owners, who control between 70 and 90 percent of the rental supply.

In response to the complexities of accessing social housing, the housing company Dender-Zuid is organizing assistance sessions at the Sociaal Huis. These sessions aim to help residents navigate the digital registration process via the Central Registration Register (CIR), providing practical support for those who find online applications challenging. The next session is scheduled for September 10, 2026.