Belgian household wealth rises, but growth slows in 2025

The median wealth of Belgian households rose by 3.3 per cent in 2025 to €286,250, according to a new report by Keytrade Bank and Ghent University. However, growth was far slower than in 2024, when wealth increased by 11 per cent. After inflation, real growth was just 0.9 per cent.

The report found that rising assets were matched by higher debt. Median household debt jumped 16.5 per cent to €97,500, mainly due to mortgage loans. Researchers warned that this makes household wealth more vulnerable to economic shocks such as higher interest rates or falling property prices.

Property remains the main source of wealth in Belgium. The family home now makes up 51 per cent of total household wealth, with the median home value rising 8.3 per cent to €325,000. Around three in four Belgian households own their home, although ownership is far lower among poorer families.

The study also highlighted growing inequality. A household needs nearly €1 million in assets to rank among the richest 10 per cent in Belgium, while the richest 5 per cent own 44 per cent of the country’s total wealth. One in ten Belgian households is now considered millionaire-level.

Younger generations are increasingly relying on family support to buy property. Nearly half of Generation Z respondents who received financial gifts used the money to help buy a home. In some cases, gifts covered up to 30 per cent of a property’s value.

Financial investments grew strongly in 2025, rising 9.6 per cent. Wealthier households benefited the most, as they are more likely to invest. Researchers warned that less wealthy households are also investing more actively, often without enough financial knowledge, describing some behaviour as close to gambling.

The report also found that wealth transfers are increasingly skipping a generation. More grandparents are choosing to leave money directly to grandchildren instead of children.

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