Short-term letting in Bruges
At a glance
The short-term rental market
2025, in the district: 1,030,159 nights via platforms (Eurostat), 69% foreign.
Property prices
- €265,000 : median sale price of a flat in 2025 (half of sales between €206,000 and €320,000, from 576 sales) — in line with the average.
- €350,000 : median sale price of a house in 2025 (half of sales between €278,450 and €449,000, from 1462 sales) — in line with the average.
Bruges compared with neighbouring municipalities
With a median flat at €265,000, Bruges ranks 6th of 33 municipalities in the province of West Flanders, from most to least expensive.
By population (120,458 residents), Bruges ranks 1st of 62 municipalities in the province of West Flanders.
A flat sells for 4% less than in Oostkamp, the nearest neighbouring municipality (6 km, median €276,875).
| Municipality | Distance | Residents | Flat (2025 median) | House (2025 median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruges | — | 120,458 | €265,000 | €350,000 |
| Oostkamp | 6 km | 24,102 | €276,875 | €395,000 |
| Damme | 6 km | 11,321 | — | €416,250 |
| Zuienkerke | 8 km | 2,641 | — | €373,000 |
| Jabbeke | 9 km | 14,990 | €293,450 | €416,375 |
Sources: Statbel, STATEC, Observatoire de l’Habitat, IWEPS. Straight-line distances between municipal centres; rankings computed over the municipalities for which the figure is published.
Our advice for Bruges
Bruges is a world-famous destination, which is exactly why owners need a clear head here. The historic centre inside the old city ramparts, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws visitors all year round. But the city has also made its position plain: no new holiday homes in the centre. Anyone starting out in Bruges today should look at what is still possible rather than at what looks tempting.
What remains realistic
- The districts beyond the ramparts. Sint-Kruis, Assebroek, Sint-Andries and Sint-Michiels are a short cycle from the Markt, with more space and often a parking spot. Lissewege and Zeebrugge offer polder villages and the coast instead.
- Mid-term letting to professionals, College of Europe researchers or relocating families when short stays are not an option.
Who stays in Bruges?
Weekend couples, families during school holidays, cruise passengers arriving via Zeebrugge, audiences of the Concertgebouw, and crowds for the Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Winter brings its own demand, peaking around Christmas. Many travellers pair Bruges with the coast or Ghent, so stays tend to be short.
Standing out beyond the ramparts
A home in Sint-Kruis or Assebroek is not up against a canal-side townhouse; it competes with the hotels on the city's edge. So lean on what a hotel cannot give: a garden or terrace, a full kitchen, room for a family, bikes to borrow, free parking. Explain how to reach the centre without a car, since driving in the old town is deliberately discouraged and the station car parks are the natural base.
Frequently asked questions
What does a property in Bruges cost for a short-term rental project?
In 2025, a flat sold for a median of 265 000 € (half of sales between 206 000 € and 320 000 €, out of 576 sales); a house sold for a median of 350 000 € (half of sales between 278 450 € and 449 000 €, out of 1 462 sales) in Bruges (Statbel). Before buying, compare that price with a realistic short-term rental income and booking calendar: Hexuvium sends you a free income estimate for the property you have in mind, based on comparable homes.
Where do guests staying in Bruges come from?
In 2025, the district counted 1 030 159 nights booked through platforms, 69% of them by guests from abroad (Eurostat). A listing written in several languages, a clear welcome message in English and simple arrival instructions make the difference with these guests.
Can you let short-term in Bruges without living nearby?
Yes. Hexuvium handles the listing on the platforms, messages with guests, self check-in, cleaning between stays and small repairs. You follow your bookings and income in your owner portal, without having to travel.
Sources and update
Public figures, sources at the bottom; past results, not guaranteed.