JLL celebrates 60 years of excellence in Belgium and continues to shape the future of real estate

Brussels, May 28, 2025 - JLL Belgium, one of Belgium's leading real estate firms, celebrates its 60th anniversary with a forward-looking approach, summarized by the theme "60 years of real estate excellence in Belgium: together, let's build a brighter future."

Building on a global heritage dating back to 1783 in London and consolidated by the landmark merger of Jones Lang Wootton and LaSalle Partners in 1999, JLL established its presence in Belgium in 1965 with the opening of an office in Brussels, followed by expansion to Antwerp in 1973, laying the groundwork for strategic development across Belgium. Known for decades as Jones Lang LaSalle, the company adopted the name JLL in 2014, reflecting its commitment to modernization and adaptation to new market dynamics in the office, industrial, logistics and retail segments.

As both privileged witness and active participant in this evolution, JLL has supported the profound transformations of the Belgian real estate landscape. Over these six decades, the market has undergone a spectacular metamorphosis, illustrated notably by the evolution of the Brussels office stock from approximately 5 million square meters in the 1970s to nearly 13 million today. The strengthening of Brussels as a European capital in the 1980s catalyzed the emergence of iconic new business districts, from the North Quarter to the European Quarter, massively attracting international investors. At the same time, Antwerp progressively developed its own significant office market, particularly around the port.

The 1990s marked a notable professionalization of the sector, with increasingly sophisticated real estate developments and strategic expansion toward the periphery. This evolution extended to other economic centers like Ghent and Liège, following distinct regional trajectories but sharing common trends: increased internationalization, followed by rising environmental concerns in the 2010s with the widespread adoption of sustainability certifications.

The last decade has seen a profound transformation of usage patterns with the rise of coworking and hybrid work. Today, there is a polarization between prime buildings with strict ESG standards and less adapted secondary buildings, now prioritizing quality and occupant well-being.

To mark this anniversary, JLL Belgium reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of real estate, focusing on three key values:

SUSTAINABILITY
Recognizing that buildings account for over 40% of carbon emissions, JLL Belgium leads by example, setting new ESG standards and creating sustainable value. Our recent Brussels office embodies this commitment—a carbon-neutral building designed for employee well-being, incorporating circular design with up to 80% reused materials, all while winning awards without compromising on budget.

WORKPLACES
Today's workplaces are more than just locations; they're strategic assets driving innovation, attracting talent, and enhancing company performance. JLL Belgium is the ideal partner for navigating this dynamic landscape, offering a unique value proposition to create environments that boost productivity, enhance well-being, embody organizational vision, and improve bottom-line results. We future-proof workplace attractivity, ensuring spaces that empower success.

INNOVATION
From AI-powered building optimization to data-driven market analysis and creative design, JLL Belgium leads the proptech revolution, transforming all aspects of real estate. We are committed to shaping the sector's future by challenging ourselves, our clients, and the market—testing new approaches and embracing disruptive thinking across every dimension of our business.

"For 60 years, our clients' vision has fueled our passion for shaping the future of Belgian real estate," says Sébastien Giordano, Country Lead JLL Belgium and Luxembourg. "As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are not just reflecting on our shared legacy of success; we are looking to the future, more committed than ever to creating sustainable value for our clients. By challenging the status quo with relentless curiosity and leading by example, we will navigate evolving ways of working, drive innovative practices, and build enduring partnerships that create lasting legacies – all to enable our clients' success in what lies ahead."