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DEPENDS Flanders Wallonia Brussels

Can I live in social housing if I own a house abroad?

In short

As a rule, no. In Flanders, you can only get social housing if you do not fully own a house or a building plot anywhere, including abroad. You declare this in writing. For Wallonia and Brussels, ask your own social housing company about the conditions.

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This rule in 48 seconds
Video transcript

You are applying for social housing. You fully own a house abroad. It depends: As a rule, no. In Flanders you may not fully own a home or land anywhere; you declare this in writing. The right way: Do not hide the property. If your situation has changed, talk to the housing company first. If you hide it: Rental contract: Can be ended; Also: Eviction; Knowingly false statement: Fraud case.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • When you apply for social housing, you declare in writing that you do not fully own a house or plot of land anywhere, including abroad.
  • If you acquire property while you are a tenant (by buying or inheriting it), you must tell the social housing company.
  • In Flanders, social housing companies can investigate property abroad.
  • If your property situation changes, talk to the company early on; hiding it has far more serious consequences.

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICE
Fine / payment
If you gain an unfair advantage through a false statement made in bad faith, your tenancy can be terminated (in Flanders with 3 months' notice).

Legal basis:Vlaamse Codex Wonen 2021, art. 6.33, 3°

Court / prison
If you knowingly make a false statement, you can be prosecuted for fraud

Legal basis:Vlaamse Codex Wonen 2021, art. 6.33, 3° + Strafwetboek, art. 479

What really matters: the indirect consequences

Why does this rule exist?

Social housing is scarce and waiting lists run for years. The rule makes sure homes go to families who genuinely have nowhere else to live.

Where can you go?

  • The organisation that pays your benefitPension: Federal Pension Service (FPD / SFP) · Unemployment: RVA / ONEM or your payment organisation (trade union / HVW-CAPAC) · Sickness: ziekenfonds / mutualité
  • OCMW / CPASQuestions about social assistance and social housing
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
8 / 8 statements in an official source
Checked: 22.10.2026
Last checked
22.10.2026
Rules can change
Show the 8 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

Related rules

Social rightsDepends

How long can I stay abroad while I receive the income guarantee for older people (IGO/GRAPA)?

At most 29 days a year. You must report every trip abroad longer than 5 days (6 nights) to the Federal Pensions Service before you leave. The days of departure and return do not count.Open the rule Social rightsDepends

Can I go on holiday abroad while I receive unemployment benefit?

Yes. You have the right to 24 days (4 weeks) of holiday a year, and you can spend this holiday abroad. For a longer stay, ask your payment organisation in advance.Open the rule Social rightsRequired

Do I have to declare property I own abroad when I receive social assistance from the OCMW / CPAS?

Yes. When you apply for social assistance (leefloon / revenu d'intégration), you must declare all property and income, including abroad.Open the rule