Real Estate in Ghent: a thriving market full of opportunities for residents and investors
Ghent is one of the most dynamic and versatile cities in Belgium. With its rich historical heritage, vibrant student life, innovative business environment and attractive residential areas, the city is an ideal place to live, work and invest. The real estate in Ghent is highly diverse, offering a wide range of opportunities for families, young professionals, second-home buyers and investors alike.
A city with international appeal
Ghent combines the charm of a medieval city with the energy of a modern metropolis. Each year, millions of visitors are drawn to its historic city centre, the Graslei, St. Bavo’s Cathedral and its many museums. Students from Belgium and abroad also flock to Ghent, further boosting demand for various types of real estate.
Residential real estate in Ghent
The housing market in Ghent is very diverse:
- Apartments: in the city centre, apartments are highly sought after by young couples, expats and investors looking for rental properties.
- Family homes: in the suburbs and districts such as Sint-Amandsberg, Gentbrugge or Wondelgem, families find spacious and more affordable homes surrounded by greenery.
- Student housing: with the presence of universities and colleges, demand for student rooms and studios remains high. For investors, this is a stable and profitable market.
- New developments: Ghent is investing heavily in sustainable urban development, with modern and energy-efficient housing projects becoming increasingly popular.
Commercial real estate in Ghent
- Retail properties: high streets like Veldstraat and Brabantdam are prime locations with high footfall.
- Hospitality properties: restaurants and cafés in areas such as Korenmarkt, Graslei and Patershol thrive thanks to the strong tourism and cultural scene.
- Office spaces: start-ups, scale-ups and international companies fuel growing demand for modern offices, especially near Gent-Sint-Pieters station and the Ghelamco Arena.
- Mixed-use projects: new builds often combine housing with ground-floor commercial units, creating extra opportunities for investors.
Tourism, culture and quality of life
Ghent is a true cultural hub. Festivals like the Gentse Feesten, the International Film Festival and numerous concerts attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Combined with green parks, cycling infrastructure, quality healthcare and education, Ghent guarantees a high quality of life.
Accessibility and central location
Ghent is easily accessible thanks to the E17 and E40 motorways, connecting the city with Brussels, Antwerp, the coast and Northern France. The Gent-Sint-Pieters station offers fast train connections, while the Port of Ghent remains a key logistic hub.
Investing in real estate in Ghent
- High rental demand: driven by students, expats, families and tourists.
- Rising property values: popularity of the city ensures long-term appreciation.
- Diversity: investors can choose from residential, commercial, student housing or mixed-use projects.
- Sustainability: modern projects focus increasingly on energy efficiency.
👉 Discover why Ghent is one of Belgium’s most beloved real estate cities and how you can benefit from its dynamic market.
