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Find your place in Ghent with a local home finder

For students, companies and professionals, all over the world.

Remoters puts you in touch with a home finder living there, who speaks your language, searches to your criteria, views on your behalf and stays with you through to the signed lease.

Your home finder, on site
An English-speaking home finder, based on site

They know the neighbourhoods, the rents and how the local market works, and they speak your language.

Shortlists properties and visits them for you

Listings, agencies, local network: they shortlist to your criteria and view properties on your behalf.

Backs your application and negotiates the lease

They present your application to the landlord and negotiate the lease terms for you.

Every step protected, no hidden surprises

Verified home, lease reviewed, secure payment: you sign knowing exactly what you are getting.

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What does a home finder actually do?

Six missions, from the first brief to key handover.

Illustration: scoping the search

They scope your search

Real budget, viable neighbourhoods, size, life constraints. The brief is written before the first listing — that's what saves three months of pointless viewings.

Illustration: local market specialist

They comb the whole market

Portals, local agencies, private landlords: your home finder checks every new listing daily and contacts agencies on your behalf, so nothing slips through.

Illustration: viewings and neighbourhoods

They visit for you

Filmed viewings, an honest report, walks through the neighbourhood at different hours. You no longer need to travel: your home finder does it all for you remotely.

Illustration: price negotiation

They assess and negotiate

Local rent levels, service charges, the state of the property, lease length. Concrete arguments to negotiate the terms — on your side, this time.

Illustration: securing the application

They secure the application

Locally required documents, guarantor, translation, review of the lease and the inventory. This is where foreign applications most often fall apart.

Illustration: saving time when settling in

They stay with you until you're settled in

Inventory, key handover, utilities set-up, first admin steps. Your home finder doesn't disappear once the contract is signed: they remain a valuable contact for any questions about life on the ground.

What you get

Safety

No scams, verified homes, secure payment.

Speed

A home found in a few weeks.

Human

Guided by a local home finder, in your language.

Peace of mind

Everything handled remotely, stress-free.

How it works

Four steps, from your request to the signed lease.

1

We get acquainted

You start by filling in a short questionnaire to tell us a bit more about your search.

2

Free first call

One of our home finders then takes over and contacts you for a free first conversation. The goal? Understanding exactly what you need.

3

The adventure begins

If it clicks and you want to move forward, you receive a tailored quote. Once approved, the search begins!

4

Heading to your new home

Your home finder searches for you, shares their finds, stays with you through to signing the lease — all that’s left is packing your bags.

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Ghent
Ghent is a vibrant Flemish city in Belgium, home to Ghent University and a thriving tech and creative sector, making it one of the country's most sought-after rental markets. The city's diverse neighbourhoods, from the historic cobblestones of Patershol to the student-friendly Watersportbaan-Ekkergem and the family-oriented suburb of Gentbrugge, offer a wide range of long-term rental options. Average monthly rents range from around 600 EUR/month for a studio or shared room to approximately 2,000 EUR/month for a 3-bedroom apartment (Trovit, 2025). Rentals in Ghent are governed by the Flemish Housing Rental Decree, which sets clear rules on lease duration, security deposits (capped at 3 months rent), and tenant protections. The city is well connected by train to Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, and is consistently praised for its cycling infrastructure, cultural richness, and quality of life.

Ghent in brief: A competitive but well-regulated rental market in Flanders, Belgium. Average rents range from 600 EUR/month (studio/shared room) to 2,000 EUR/month (3-bedroom apartment), with 1-bedroom apartments averaging around 1,200 EUR/month (Trovit, 2025). Leases are governed by the Flemish Housing Rental Decree; standard long-term leases run 9 years, with shorter 3-year options available. A security deposit of up to 3 months rent is required, held in a blocked bank account. Key neighbourhoods include Patershol (central, historic), Watersportbaan-Ekkergem (student area), Gentbrugge (families), and Ledeberg (affordable, up-and-coming). Register your address at Stad Gent after moving in.

Ghent is a compelling choice for long-term renters seeking a high quality of life in a vibrant, manageable Belgian city. Here are the key reasons why people choose to settle here:

  • Rich cultural heritage: Ghent's medieval city centre, including Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo's Cathedral (home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece), and the Design Museum Gent, offers an exceptional living environment steeped in history and creativity.
  • World-class university city: Ghent University, one of Belgium's leading research universities, gives the city a young, international, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.
  • Excellent connectivity: Ghent is well connected by train to Brussels (approx. 30 minutes), Bruges, and Antwerp, making it ideal for professionals who work in other Belgian cities.
  • Cycling-friendly infrastructure: Ghent is consistently ranked among Europe's most bike-friendly cities, with an extensive network of cycle paths and a low-traffic city centre zone.
  • Affordable relative to Brussels: Rental costs in Ghent are notably lower than in Brussels, while the city offers comparable amenities, cultural life, and international services.
  • Safe and inclusive: Ghent is widely regarded as one of Belgium's safest cities and has a strong reputation for being welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and international residents.
  • Diverse neighbourhoods: From the historic cobblestones of Patershol to the green suburbs of Gentbrugge and the student energy of Watersportbaan-Ekkergem, Ghent offers a neighbourhood to suit every lifestyle.

Living in Ghent on a day-to-day basis is comfortable, well-organised, and relatively affordable compared to other major Belgian cities. Here is what to expect in practical terms:

  • Getting around: Ghent is one of Europe's most cycling-friendly cities, with an extensive network of bike lanes. The city centre is a low-emission zone (LEZ), restricting older vehicles. Public transport is operated by De Lijn (trams and buses), and the main train station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, connects the city to Brussels (approx. 30 minutes), Bruges, and Antwerp.
  • Healthcare: Ghent has several major hospitals, including UZ Gent (the university hospital), as well as numerous general practitioners and specialist clinics. Registering with a local GP (huisarts) is recommended shortly after arrival.
  • Education: The city is home to Ghent University and HOGENT, as well as a range of international and Dutch-language primary and secondary schools. Families should research school options and waiting lists early.
  • Shopping and daily life: Ghent has a wide range of supermarkets (Delhaize, Colruyt, Lidl, Albert Heijn), local markets, and independent shops. The Vrijdagmarkt and Groentenmarkt are popular weekly markets in the city centre.
  • Language: The official language is Dutch (Flemish dialect). English is widely spoken, particularly among younger residents, university staff, and in the tech sector. Learning basic Dutch phrases is appreciated and will ease administrative processes.
  • Administrative registration: After signing your lease, register your address at Stad Gent. EU citizens can use the online MAB form; non-EU nationals must visit the Migration Office in person. This step is essential for accessing public services and obtaining a residence card.

Ghent is one of Belgium's most dynamic rental markets, driven by a large student population at Ghent University and HOGENT, a growing tech and biotech sector, and a steady influx of expats and young professionals. Rental demand is consistently high, particularly in central neighbourhoods and areas close to the university campus.

The market is governed by the Flemish Housing Rental Decree, which has applied to all new tenancy agreements in Flanders since 1 January 2019. This legislation sets clear rules on lease duration, security deposits, notice periods, and tenant protections, making Ghent a well-regulated rental environment.

Most available properties are unfurnished apartments and houses. Furnished rentals are less common and tend to be concentrated in the city centre and expat-friendly areas such as Patershol. The majority of listings are published on platforms such as Immoweb, Immovlan, and Rentola. Competition for well-priced properties in popular neighbourhoods can be intense, and landlords typically require a complete rental file before considering an application.

Rents in Ghent are moderate compared to Brussels but have risen steadily: by more than 18% between 2021 and 2025 according to market observers (jarniascyril.com, 2025). The city remains more accessible than many Western European capitals, offering a strong quality of life relative to rental costs.

Ghent is made up of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own character, rental price range, and lifestyle appeal. Here is an overview of the main areas to consider when searching for a long-term rental:

  • Patershol: A charming medieval quarter with cobblestone streets, canal views, and excellent restaurants. Popular with expats, young professionals, and families who want to live in the heart of historic Ghent. Rents here are among the highest in the city, typically between 900 EUR/month and 1,800 EUR/month for furnished apartments (Globexs, 2025).
  • Centrum (City Centre): Ideal for young professionals who value walkability, nightlife, and proximity to cultural venues. Rents are elevated but the convenience is unmatched.
  • Watersportbaan-Ekkergem: The student heartland of Ghent, located close to Ghent University. Affordable shared housing and studios are widely available, making it popular with students and budget-conscious renters.
  • Gentbrugge: A residential suburb attracting families and professionals, with green spaces, good schools, and easy access to public transport. More spacious properties at relatively moderate rents.
  • Sint-Amandsberg: A family-friendly residential district with modern amenities, spacious homes, and green parks. Offers a quieter lifestyle while remaining well connected to the city centre.
  • Ledeberg: An up-and-coming neighbourhood with a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere and more affordable rents. Increasingly popular with young professionals and budget-conscious expats (Investropa, 2026).
  • Muide / Bloemekenswijk (Coupure area): Waterside neighbourhoods with charming canal-side houses, appreciated for their character and relative tranquillity close to the centre.
  • Zwijnaarde / Mariakerke: Quieter suburban areas with modern housing, suited to those seeking more space and a calmer environment.

Ghent's rental market is more affordable than Brussels but has seen steady price increases in recent years. For a single professional, a comfortable 1-bedroom apartment in a central neighbourhood typically costs between 1,100 EUR/month and 1,500 EUR/month (combien-coute.net, 2025). Families looking for a 3-bedroom home should plan for upwards of 2,000 EUR/month. Students and budget-conscious renters can find rooms in shared houses (kot) or co-living spaces from 600 EUR/month, especially in areas close to Ghent University such as Watersportbaan-Ekkergem.

Beyond the monthly rent, factor in a security deposit of up to 3 months rent, which must be held in a blocked bank account under Belgian law. If you use a rental agency, additional fees may apply. Utility costs (electricity, gas, water, internet) are generally not included in the base rent for unfurnished properties and can add 150 EUR/month to 300 EUR/month to your monthly outgoings depending on the property size and energy efficiency.

Rental prices in Ghent vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood, property type, and whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. According to market data from Trovit (2025), the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ghent is around 1,200 EUR/month, while a 2-bedroom apartment averages approximately 1,525 EUR/month, and a 3-bedroom apartment reaches around 2,000 EUR/month. Studios and rooms in shared housing can be found from 600 EUR/month upwards, particularly in student-oriented areas such as Watersportbaan-Ekkergem.

Furnished apartments command a premium over unfurnished ones. Most properties in Ghent are rented unfurnished and often do not include appliances such as a fridge, freezer, or washing machine. Fully furnished units, typically aimed at expats or corporate tenants, are available in central neighbourhoods such as Patershol and the Centrum, with rents ranging from 900 EUR/month to 1,800 EUR/month (source: Globexs, 2025).

In addition to the monthly rent, tenants should budget for utility charges (water, heating, electricity), which may or may not be included in the rent. Always clarify with the landlord whether charges (lasten/charges) are included or billed separately.

When searching for a long-term rental in Ghent, avoiding common pitfalls can save you significant time and money:

  • Not reading the lease carefully before signing: Belgian lease contracts are legally binding from the moment of signature. Under the Flemish Housing Rental Decree (in force since 1 January 2019), standard long-term leases run for 9 years. Shorter contracts (3 years or less) carry break clauses: leaving in year 1 typically costs 3 months rent, year 2 costs 2 months, and year 3 costs 1 month (TheSquare.Gent).
  • Paying the security deposit directly to the landlord: Belgian law requires the deposit to be held in a blocked bank account, not paid in cash to the landlord. Paying cash is not permitted under the Flemish Residential Tenancy Act.
  • Skipping the property inspection report (plaatsbeschrijving): A detailed entry inspection report, ideally with photos, is essential. Without it, you risk being held liable for pre-existing damage at the end of your tenancy.
  • Assuming appliances are included: Most unfurnished apartments in Ghent do not include a fridge, freezer, or washing machine. Confirm what is included before signing.
  • Not registering your address at the municipality: After signing your lease, you must register your domicile at the City of Ghent (Stad Gent). Failure to do so can affect your access to public services and your legal residency status.
  • Underestimating competition: The Ghent rental market is competitive, especially near Ghent University. Prepare your rental file in advance and be ready to act quickly when a suitable property becomes available.

Here are practical tips to help you find and secure a long-term rental in Ghent:

  • Prepare your rental file before you start searching: Landlords in Ghent expect a complete huurdersdossier (rental file) including your ID, proof of income, and employment contract. Having it ready means you can submit immediately when you find a suitable property.
  • Act quickly on listings: The Ghent rental market is competitive, especially near the university and in central neighbourhoods. Set up alerts on Immoweb and Immovlan and respond to listings within hours, not days.
  • Clarify what is included in the rent: Most unfurnished apartments in Ghent do not include a fridge, freezer, or washing machine. Always ask the landlord exactly what appliances and furniture are included before visiting.
  • Understand the break clauses on short-term leases: If you sign a lease of 3 years or less, leaving early carries financial penalties: typically 3 months rent if you leave in year 1, 2 months in year 2, and 1 month in year 3 (TheSquare.Gent). Ask about these terms before signing.
  • Insist on a detailed entry inspection report: The plaatsbeschrijving (property condition report), ideally with photographs, protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage when you leave.
  • Use the e-DEPO system for your security deposit: The Belgian tax administration's MyMinfin platform allows you to block your deposit digitally, which is safer and fully compliant with the law.
  • Register your address promptly: After moving in, register your domicile at Stad Gent. EU citizens can use the online MAB form; non-EU nationals should contact the Migration Office directly.
  • Consider less central neighbourhoods for better value: Areas like Ledeberg, Sint-Amandsberg, and Gentbrugge offer more space and lower rents than the city centre, while remaining well served by public transport.

Finding the right long-term rental in Ghent can be time-consuming and competitive, especially if you are relocating from abroad and are unfamiliar with the local market, the Flemish rental regulations, or the administrative steps required after signing a lease. Remoters connects you with vetted local rental search specialists who can guide you through every stage of the process: from identifying suitable properties in the right neighbourhood to reviewing your lease, preparing your rental file, and supporting your registration at the City of Ghent. Whether you are a professional or a family settling in Ghent for the long term, Remoters helps you avoid the most common pitfalls and find accommodation that truly fits your needs and budget.

What our clients say

4.8/5 on Google (1,100 reviews as of September 3, 2026) · 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (117 reviews as of November 1, 2026)

No review published on Google or Trustpilot mentions this city yet. These ratings cover all Remoters searches.

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A studio or a room rents for 500 to 800 EUR a month, a one-bedroom flat for 750 to 1,000 EUR outside the centre and 1,000 to 1,300 EUR in the city centre. Allow 1,000 to 1,500 EUR for two bedrooms.

Many listings show the rent excluding bills: ask whether water, gas and electricity are included, as they often add 150 to 250 EUR a month. Most homes are let unfurnished, with a fitted kitchen.

For moderate rents, look at Dampoort, an area in transition, Sint-Amandsberg, residential and family-oriented, or Ledeberg, working-class and affordable. The Patershol, with its medieval charm, and the historic centre are the most expensive.

Families like Gentbrugge and its green spaces, or quiet Mariakerke and Wondelgem. Watersportbaan-Ekkergem, near UGent, draws students. For Brussels, Gent-Sint-Pieters station is about 30 minutes away by direct train.

The lease must be in writing, with the mandatory details and the standard Flemish Region annex, and the check-in inventory is compulsory and carried out jointly. The rental deposit, usually 2 to 3 months' rent, is paid into a blocked bank account in your name.

The landlord must register the lease within two months of signing: check that this has been done. Photograph every defect before signing the inventory, as it is your protection when you move out.

At least 2 to 3 months before you arrive: the market is tight near UGent and the historic centre, especially at the September start of the academic year, and good homes go within days. The other difficulty is language, as most listings on Immoweb or Immovlan and exchanges with landlords are in Dutch.

Get your payslips, employment contract, ID and a cover letter in Dutch or English ready early.