Brussels’ real estate market is evolving at high speed, driven by major urban transformations. Among them, Metro Line 3 — a long‑awaited north–south connection — stands out as one of the most influential projects. Despite delays, political debates, and technical hurdles, it is already shaping expectations for investors and residents alike.
In this article, we explore how this new metro line, along with broader mobility changes, is influencing property values across the city.
🚇 1. Metro Line 3: A transformative project reshaping Brussels
Metro Line 3 aims to connect Albert (Forest) to Bordet (Evere) via Gare du Nord, including a new 4.5‑km tunnel and seven additional stations planned in its second phase. Studies confirm that a metro extension is the most efficient way to meet mobility needs in the northern part of the city.
However, the project has faced significant challenges: delays, rising costs, and political disagreements have turned it into a complex administrative and financial puzzle. Still, these uncertainties haven’t stopped the real estate market from anticipating its long‑term impact.
📈 2. How new metro infrastructure affects property values
In most major cities, the arrival of a metro line typically leads to:
- Higher property prices within 500–800 meters of new stations
- Increased rental demand, especially from young professionals and car‑free households
- Greater commercial attractiveness for local businesses
Brussels is expected to follow the same pattern, particularly in neighborhoods that are currently underserved.
Areas likely to benefit the most
| Area | Expected impact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evere – Bordet | Strong increase | Rapidly developing district, future multimodal hub |
| Schaerbeek (Gare du Nord – Liedts) | Gradual increase | High density, strong rental demand, improved connectivity |
| Forest – Albert | Stabilization / slight increase | Already well connected, but enhanced accessibility |
🏗️ 3. Construction works: short‑term disruption, long‑term gain
Large infrastructure projects inevitably bring temporary downsides: noise, traffic disruptions, and struggling local shops. For example, upcoming works around Gare du Midi are expected to affect public transport services for about a year, impacting parts of Forest, Saint‑Gilles, and Uccle.
These effects, however, are temporary. Once the works are completed, property values generally rebound — often above their previous level.
🚴 4. New mobility trends: another driver of value
Beyond Metro Line 3, Brussels is investing heavily in:
- Safer cycling infrastructure
- Expanded pedestrian zones
- Low‑traffic neighborhoods
- Modernized tram lines
These changes tend to boost property values in areas that become:
- less congested,
- more accessible via sustainable transport,
- more attractive for families and young professionals.
Neighborhoods that combine future metro access + improved soft mobility are positioned to benefit the most.
🧭 5. What investors and homeowners should keep in mind
Opportunities
- Buying before a new station opens often proves to be a smart long‑term investment.
- Transitioning neighborhoods (Schaerbeek, Evere, Cureghem) still offer relatively affordable prices.
- Rental demand is likely to rise around future stations.
Points of caution
- Political and administrative delays may slow down value appreciation.
- Construction nuisances can affect short‑term rental yields.
- Some sections of the project remain controversial due to cost and social impact.
🎯 Conclusion
Despite its challenges, Metro Line 3 is set to become a major catalyst for urban transformation in Brussels. Over the long term, it is expected to enhance the attractiveness of the districts it serves and increase property values in several strategic areas.
Combined with the city’s shift toward sustainable mobility, it marks a significant reconfiguration of Brussels — one where proximity to efficient transport is becoming a decisive factor for buyers and investors.