Good afternoon everyone!
The sun may have left us today, but The Brussels Times is still here to deliver the latest straight to your inbox. Today it's me, Maïthé Chini, giving you an overview of what you might have missed this morning.
On our homepage today are a few stories related to housing and real estate in the Belgian capital – so if you're looking to rent, buy or move in Brussels, keep reading.
Like every year, an analysis of the most expensive and cheapest urban streets in Belgium's largest cities slapped us over the head with the huge price differences between municipalities in Brussels.
The most expensive street in Brussels is the Avenue des Châlets in Uccle – towards the outer edge of the Capital Region. With an average price of €5,687/m², it is not only the priciest street in the capital, but also in the whole of Belgium.
By contrast, the five cheapest streets in Brussels are all found on the other side of the city, in the municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Curious to find out if your street is in the ranking? Take a more in-depth look at Brussels and Belgium here.
However, if even the cheapest street in the capital isn’t within your budget, you may want to take a look at Brussels' public housing system – something that many households are doing in the face of increasing price levels.
Tenants may save hundreds of euros per month in rent, while buyers can potentially benefit from purchase prices that are 30-40% lower than those on the private market. Find out all about the system here.
Elsewhere, our reporter Anas El Baye learned that Brussels residents are the happiest in Belgium and went around the city to ask passers-by why they thought this was the case.
Having spoken to locals and non-locals alike, Anas found that for most people, the answer does not lie in big things in life but in little everyday moments. He even managed to catch Frédéric De Gucht, the leader of the Flemish liberal party, enjoying a cocktail in the sun.
While he became known as "the man who made a name for himself by saying no" during the negotiations to form the Brussels Government, De Gucht said that he loves that the city is a mosaic of cultures, languages, places and people.
Lastly, I'm sure you're aware by now, but services across Belgium are disrupted due to four days of strikes this week. We are currently on day two of a three-day rail strike, which will be followed by a general strike on Thursday 12 March. You can find everything we know about the disruptions here.
If you have any comments, tips or suggestions to improve our coverage, please feel free to email me at m.chini@brusselstimes.com.
See you later!
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. What are the most expensive and cheapest streets in Brussels?
"These figures give a clear picture of how big the price differences are, not only between regions but also from neighbourhood to neighbourhood." Read more.
2. The little things that make you happy in Brussels
Why are Brussels residents the happiest in Belgium? Locals and non-locals say the answer lies in everyday moments. Read more.
3. Brussels public housing: How much can you save, and how do you access it?
With average rents above €1,300, public housing in Brussels can offer significant savings. Here’s how the system works. Read more.
4. Traffic disrupted at Barrière de Saint-Gilles as long-term works begin
Renovation works on the busy Barrière de Saint-Gilles roundabout, which began last week, are set to disrupt traffic in the area for at least a year. Read more.
5. Travel habits in Brussels differ greatly between men and women
"This diagnosis helps us understand how certain inequalities are reflected in the city." Read more.
6. Belgian art collector discovers he may have a lost Michelangelo painting
Failing to sell originally, the painting is now considered by many to be a work of the renowned Renaissance genius. Read more.
7. Only 100 bloggers get Belgian ‘influencer certificate’ following initiative’s launch
Out of 6,000 Belgian influencers just 100 got the annually-renewed "influencer certificate", including trainings on advertising and responsibility. Read more.
