Mobility Budget & Housing Costs

The transition to sustainable mobility extends beyond just transportation. The Belgian federal mobility budget now offers an innovative way to support employees in their housing needs. By trading in their company car for a budget that can be used not only for more environmentally friendly commuting options but also for housing costs, we open the door to a holistic approach to sustainability.

But how does this work exactly? Can all employees truly benefit from this option? And how can the mobility budget be applied to rent or even a mortgage loan? Let’s shed some light on this possibility, that is being used by around 70% of all employees with a mobility budget.

Can the mobility budget pay for housing costs?

It certainly can! The renewed mobility budget active since October 2021 consists of 3 pillars. Within the second pillar is a component covering housing costs. Not only does the government want to capitalise on greener mobility, they also want to encourage living closer to your work.

Employees' housing costs can be paid by the mobility budget if the employee lives within a radius of no more than 10 kilometres from the workplace, or works from home for the majority (≥50%) of the time.

The latter condition should be reviewed on a monthly basis. For example, as a full-timer, you must have worked from home for 11 to 12 days within a month to meet this condition.

What can be included in housing costs?

If the employee meets these conditions and the options for paying housing costs are included in the employer's mobility plan, then these are the options for paying housing costs:

Mobility budget and mortgage loan

If you are currently paying off a loan and meet the conditions, you can have both monthly interest and capital repayments paid by your mobility budget.

However, it is necessary that the loan is in your name and that you and others within the loan do not pay off more than 100% of the loan with the mobility budget. For this, you need to make a declaration of honour.

Mobility budget and rent

If you are currently renting your home, you can pay this rent using the mobility budget. However, it is necessary that the lease is (at least partially) in your name.

Need some more information on this or any other topics around corporate mobility? Talk to our experts, or download our ebook on the mobility budget.