Single Tenants in Belgium Spend 55% of Income on Housing

Single tenants in Belgium spent an average of 55 percent of their income on housing costs in 2025, according to the latest Vlaamse Woonbalans (Flemish Housing Balance) published by Embuild Vlaanderen. The figure — which includes rent and energy costs — marks a continued deterioration in housing affordability and stands at nearly double the 30 percent threshold generally considered the limit for manageable housing expenses.

A Worsening Trend

The 55 percent figure for single-person households renting an apartment in Flanders represents an increase from 54 percent in 2024 and 49 percent in 2021, according to VRT NWS, which first reported the findings. For context, dual-income couples buying a home spent 34 percent of their income on housing in 2025, up from 30 percent in 2021 — a stark illustration of how disproportionately the crisis affects those who carry housing costs alone.

“Single tenants spent an average of 55 percent of their income on housing last year, slightly more than in 2024,” wrote Rik Arnoudt of VRT NWS, summarizing the data.

Geographic Disparities

The burden varies dramatically across Flanders. Single tenants in the province of Flemish Brabant face the highest costs at 66 percent of income, followed by Antwerp at 64 percent. West Flanders is the least expensive province for single renters, yet still demands 50 percent of income.

At the municipal level, the extremes are even more pronounced. The highest housing cost burdens for single tenants are found in Bekkevoort (72.1 percent), Drogenbos (71.3 percent), Machelen (71.1 percent), and Vilvoorde (70.2 percent). At the other end of the spectrum, Deerlijk in West Flanders records the lowest figure — still a punishing 47.7 percent.

For dual-income homebuyers, the most expensive municipality remains Knokke-Heist at 69 percent of income, while Menen is the most affordable at 20.3 percent.

Why It Matters

The Woonbalans, developed by the construction industry federation Embuild Vlaanderen, compares household income against monthly housing costs — either mortgage payments or rent, combined with energy bills. When the balance exceeds 30 percent, affordability problems are considered likely. Single tenants at 55 percent are far beyond that threshold, leaving little room for other essentials such as food, healthcare, transportation, and savings.

Embuild Vlaanderen noted in its 2025 press release: “Especially for single tenants, these housing costs are very high. They have to spend more than half of their income on rent and energy costs.”

Demographic Pressures

The challenge is compounded by demographics. Single-person households are the fastest-growing household type in Belgium. According to Statbel data cited by Embuild, this group is projected to increase by 13 percent within ten years and 25 percent within twenty years. Yet the supply of suitable rental housing remains limited, and competition in the rental market is intense.

“Within ten years it will be +13 percent of households and within twenty years 25 percent, while the suitable housing supply is too limited and competition in the rental market is high,” Embuild stated.

Drivers of the Crisis

Several structural factors are driving the worsening affordability picture. Construction costs continue to rise due to stricter energy norms, more expensive materials, higher financial costs, and longer permit procedures. Mortgage rates are at their highest level in 14 years. Energy prices remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, permit applications for new construction have fallen nearly 30 percent over three years, constraining supply at a time when demand is growing.

Public sentiment reflects deep concern. A survey of 1,000 Flemings conducted by Embuild found that more than 80 percent believe many people will face financial trouble if housing costs rise further, and eight out of ten expect the housing market situation to worsen in the coming years.

Policy Responses

In response to the crisis, Embuild Vlaanderen launched an open letter in 2025, signed by over 60 organizations including the Gezinsbond (Family Association), Initia (association of Flemish housing companies), and architects’ associations. The letter calls for coordinated policy on affordable housing, faster permit procedures, expansion of social housing through public-private partnerships, and a reduction in registration taxes on land for new construction.

The Flemish government approved an emergency plan for social housing in late 2025, though tenant organizations have criticized it as lacking coherence.

What’s Next

With the Woonbalans tool available at woonbalans.be, residents can check affordability in their own municipality. But the broader picture is clear: housing affordability in Flanders is in a structural decline that shows no signs of reversing. For single tenants — a growing demographic — the situation has become acute. As Embuild’s survey underscores, eight out of ten Flemings expect things to get worse before they get better.