Single buyers – especially in the 26-30 age group – have become much more active on the Belgian housing market over the last five years, according to a new analysis by the Federation of Notaries (Fednot).
For the first time, Fednot looked into the ratio between single people and couples on the real estate market.
They found that, whether they were buying houses or apartments, the share of single buyers was the largest among people in their late twenties, from 26 to 30 years old.
"It goes somewhat against the general idea. Many people say that single people – especially in their twenties – have it more difficult and are buying less. But the figures say the opposite," notary Bart van Opstal, Fednot spokesperson, told The Brussels Times.
For apartments, 26 to 30-year-old singles made up 24% of buyers (compared to 11% for couples in that age group). In the case of houses, the share of single buyers (19%) was also largest in the 26-30 age category; the same category had the largest share for couples (23%) as well.
Smaller budgets, smaller properties
"Importantly, the real estate market has changed over five years. Generally speaking, single people more often buy apartments than houses, as those are usually cheaper," said van Opstal. "In 2019, one in four sales were apartments, but in 2024, it rose to one in three."
The changed market also means that there are more accessible properties for single people due to the larger supply of apartments. "However, when they do buy houses, these also tend to be smaller, and therefore cheaper. That is only logical, because the budget of a single person is obviously smaller than that of a couple."
Across all age categories, single buyers of an apartment accounted for a share of approximately 58% in Belgium last year. Couples, meanwhile, accounted for a share of 36%.
The share of single buyers also increased when purchasing a house: in 2019 it was 36%, last year their share was 38%. The share of couples decreased somewhat, dropping from 62% in 2019 to 59% in 2024.
Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
"Single people and single parents make up approximately 45% of Belgian households. In recent years, single people have become much more active on the real estate market," said van Opstal. "It makes sense that they are choosing an apartment more often than a house. These are usually smaller and less expensive."
A single person who bought a house in 2024 paid an average of €273,628 for it. For couples, the amount was significantly higher, at €360,597. When looking at apartments, however, the price difference was smaller: €252,070 for a single person, compared to €287,719 for a couple.
Unsurprisingly, the most expensive region to buy in was Brussels: single people paid an average of €534,596 for a house, while couples even paid €580,718. For an apartment, the prices were €268,988 and €319,387, respectively.
In Flanders, the average price singles paid for a house was €324,541, compared to just €197,801 in Wallonia. For apartments, it was €263,726 compared to €187,235.
"The price differences between regions have a significant influence on where exactly single people buy. For example, the share of single people buying a house was the smallest in Brussels, which is the most expensive region," he said. "Their share was 32%, in Flanders it was 35% and in Wallonia even 45%."
