Household debt and spending trends in the Netherlands and Belgium

Recent data highlights the financial landscape for households in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the Netherlands, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that the average household debt rose by 3.1 percent in 2024, reaching an average of 124,157 euros. The primary driver of this figure is mortgage debt, which averaged 209,000 euros for households with a mortgage. Total outstanding mortgage debt in the Netherlands increased by over 35 billion euros in 2024, compared to an 18 billion euro increase in 2023.

In Belgium, Statbel's Household Budget Survey indicates that an average household spends between 3,000 and 3,500 euros per month. Housing remains the largest expenditure, often accounting for 30 to 40 percent of the total monthly budget when combining rent or mortgage payments with energy costs. Other significant spending categories include transport, food, and healthcare, with recent shifts showing increased costs for energy and food putting pressure on leisure budgets.