How to choose the ideal office (or coworking space) for your SME in Brussels

Q: What is the average budget for renting an office in Brussels?

Office rents for SMEs in Brussels range from €150 to €300/m²/year. In coworking, expect €250 to €600 per desk/month, all inclusive.

Q: Should an SME choose coworking or a private office?

Coworking offers flexibility and lower commitment, ideal for agile SMEs. A private office suits more established businesses needing confidentiality.

Q: What are the best areas to rent offices in Brussels?

Key districts include the City Center, European Quarter, Avenue Louise, and the Northern Periphery. The choice depends on your goals and activity.

Q: How long does it take to find an office in Brussels?

With professional support, you can find a suitable office in Brussels within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on market availability.

Lundrim Meshi
Jul 23
3 min read

Finding the right workspace is a strategic decision for any growing SME. In Brussels, the commercial real estate market is broad and diverse-but it can also feel overwhelming. Coworking or private office ? City center or outskirts ? Short-term lease or long-term commitment? This guide will help you make the right choice based on your needs, constraints, and ambitions.

1. Assess your actual needs

Before browsing listings, it's crucial to define your needs clearly. Ask yourself:

How many people are on your team today ? And in 6 to 12 months ?
Do you work on-site, remotely, or hybrid ?
Do you need meeting rooms, break areas, or private/confidential spaces ?
What’s your total monthly budget, including service charges ?

Answering these questions will help you determine the ideal size (in square meters) and the environment that fits your business: private offices, open space, coworking, or a hybrid model.

👉 Pro tip : Plan for growth. An office that's too small from the start can limit your momentum.

2. Define your ideal location in Brussels

Brussels is a city of contrasts, and each neighborhood has its own strengths when it comes to cost, accessibility, and brand image. Here’s a quick comparison:

District	Advantages	Watch out for
City Center	Close to train stations, dynamic environment, amenities nearby	High rents, traffic congestion
European Quarter	International appeal, EU proximity, professional image	Limited parking, higher price point
Avenue Louise	Prestigious address, coworking options, shops & restaurants	Busy roads, average public transport access
Northern Periphery	Easy car access, affordable rents	Less central, less premium image

Your location should reflect your strategic goals:

Hiring talent ?
Hosting clients ?
Reducing costs ?
Promoting sustainable transport ?

For instance, a tech SME aiming to attract young professionals may opt for central areas with strong transport links. A B2B firm may prefer a more discreet, professional district.

3. Coworking or traditional office : Which is right for you?

Coworking spaces have flourished in Brussels and are especially popular among SMEs of 1–20 people thanks to their flexibility :

Coworking advantages :

Flexible leases : monthly contracts, no long-term commitments
Shared costs : internet, printing, kitchen, and furniture are included
Networking : connect with other companies and freelancers
Premium amenities : meeting rooms, phone booths, reception services

Traditional office advantages :

Customization : make the space your own
Confidentiality : ideal for sensitive or private operations
Stability : great for companies with clear long-term plans

In summary :

For agile or fast-growing SMEs, coworking is often the smartest choice.
For more established SMEs, a private office can provide comfort, privacy, and long-term consistency.

4. Watch out for hidden costs

A low rent can hide significant expenses. Always analyze:

Service charges : cleaning, electricity, heating, elevators
Property taxes : sometimes passed on to the tenant
Furnishing and setup : desks, cabling, any renovation work
Optional services : parking, security, building maintenance

👉 Tip : Always request a "rent all-inclusive" quote to avoid surprises.

5. Work With a Professional

Commercial real estate is a technical field. A professional advisor will help you:

Save time by pre-filtering relevant listings
Negotiate the lease terms to your advantage
Access off-market opportunities
Understand legal clauses and financial implications

At Mesh-Immo, we support SMEs from A to Z in their Brussels office search: needs analysis, property visits, feasibility review, lease negotiation, and move-in. Our guidance is always tailored and focused on your growth goals.

FAQ - Choosing offices in Brussels

What is the average budget for renting an office in Brussels ?

For SMEs, rents in Brussels range from €150 to €300/m²/year depending on the area and quality of the office. Coworking prices range from €250 to €600 per desk/month, all-inclusive.

Should an SME choose coworking or a private office ?

Coworking is ideal for flexible SMEs with limited commitments. A private office suits more structured companies or those requiring confidentiality.

What are the best areas to rent offices in Brussels ?

Top areas include the City Center, European Quarter, Avenue Louise, and the Northern Periphery. Your choice depends on your activity, image, and logistics.

How long does it take to find an office in Brussels ?

With professional support, you can secure a suitable space in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on seasonality and market availability.