Belgium: Household wealth rises amid shrinking living sizes

Recent data indicates significant demographic and financial shifts within Belgian households. According to Statbel, the number of private households in Belgium reached 5,225,771 as of January 1, 2026. However, the average household size has decreased to 2.24 persons, down from 2.42 thirty years ago. This trend toward smaller living units is driving a demand for space-saving interior solutions, such as custom built-in furniture, as residents adapt to smaller apartments and compact homes.

Financially, a joint study by Keytrade Bank and Ghent University shows that the median wealth of Belgian households rose to 286,250 euros in 2025, a 3.3 percent increase from the previous year. While this nominal growth is positive, the real wealth increase is estimated at only 0.9 percent when adjusted for a 2.4 percent inflation rate. Real prosperity gains have slowed compared to the previous year, as rising living costs continue to impact household purchasing power. Real estate remains the primary component of wealth for Belgian families.