Brussels Governance MonitorHousing: SLRB EUR 197M in debt, sites sold, reference rent reformed
The SLRB has accumulated EUR 197M in debt and must sell two sites (Ariane, Palais) for EUR 52-53M. 62,234 households are waiting for social housing. The reference rent is being reformed with incentives for landlords.
Unblocked mechanisms — awaiting implementation
These mechanisms were frozen during the caretaker government period (June 2024 – February 2026). The government sworn in on 14 February 2026 can now reactivate them.
New social housing construction programme
New social housing construction projects beyond those already committed were frozen. The SLRB/BGHM could not launch new calls for projects or approve new construction programmes. The new government has announced EUR 400M for the SLRB and 1,000+ public housing units.
Rent regulation updates
The planned updates to the Brussels rental framework (indicative rent grid, rent regulation) could not be adopted. The new government has announced a reform of the reference rent with incentives.
SLRB/BGHM investment plan
The multi-year investment plan of the SLRB/BGHM for the renovation and construction of social housing could not be renewed or extended. The announced EUR 400M injection relaunches this programme.
Urban renovation contracts
New urban renovation contracts, which include the construction of affordable housing in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, could not be launched. The new government can now relaunch them.
What continues
Management of the existing social housing stock
The 16 SISP (public housing companies) continue to manage the existing social housing stock: housing allocation, routine maintenance, rent collection.
Current lease contracts
Existing lease contracts, both in the social and private sectors, remain fully in force in accordance with regional legislation.
Impact indicators
62,234
Households on the social housing waiting list
SLRB/BGHM — VRT (Feb. 2026)
~42,000
Social housing units in the Brussels Region
SLRB/BGHM
~7.3%
Share of social housing in the Brussels rental stock
SLRB/BGHM
−10%
Leases signed through agencies (2024)
Federia — Baromètre des locations 2025
Coalition Agreement: Announced Commitments
The agreement of 12 February 2026 announces a massive unlocking for the housing sector:
- SLRB: injection of EUR 400 million
- 1,000+ public housing units over the parliamentary term
- Be Home doubled: 160 → EUR 320/month
- Renolution replaced by zero-interest loans (EUR 200 million until 2029)
- Neo (Heysel): relaunched
- Brownfield sites arbitrated: Wiels/Avijl/Donderberg preserved, 18-month moratorium on Keyenbempt/Calevoet/Josaphat/Meylemeersch, Chant des Cailles + Dames Blanches confirmed
These commitments, if implemented, represent the largest investment in social housing in a decade. The 62,234 households waiting and the stock of 42,000 social housing units remain the baseline context.
Post-agreement developments (February 2026)
SLRB: EUR 197 million in debt
The SLRB has accumulated a debt of EUR 197 million owed to the Brussels Region. In December 2025, an agreement was reached to spread repayment over several years. But two immediate consequences:
- Sale of the Ariane site (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, currently a Fedasil centre) — estimated at ~EUR 30M
- Sale of the Palais site (Schaerbeek) — estimated at ~EUR 22-23M
These two sites were earmarked for conversion into social housing. Their sale represents EUR 52-53 million but worsens the shortage of available land for the 62,234 households on the waiting list.
In total, the SLRB must dispose of EUR 73 million in assets from 2026 onward, including the conversion of social rental housing into social home-ownership units.
Sources: BruxellesToday, "Bruxelles sacrifie des projets de logements sociaux pour eponger la dette de la SLRB"; BX1, "la SLRB va devoir se separer de deux sites"; DH, "la SLRB passe a la caisse", January 2026.
Reference rent reform
The new government is introducing a system of voluntary conventioning: landlords who apply the reference rent receive incentives. The Be Home allowance is doubled from 160 to EUR 320/month for participating landlords.
The reference rent grid, based on 2017-2020 data, will be updated in 2026.
Source: La Libre, "la nouvelle coalition bruxelloise promet des incitants pour le loyer de reference", 21 February 2026.
Reform timeline
- 15 March 2026: principles of the structural reform of social housing financing
- 31 May 2026: full reform adopted
- 1 January 2027: entry into force
New social housing programmes, rental regulation updates and the SLRB investment plan were blocked. The SLRB, indebted at 197M EUR, had to sell the Ariane and Palais sites.
Read full contextBack to home — 2 March 2026
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