Belgian Homeownership Surges to Record Levels
A growing number of Belgians are investing in second homes, with over 900,000 individuals now owning multiple properties. This trend reflects a broader pattern of wealth accumulation and investment in real estate within the country, impacting the housing market and investment strategies.
Recent data indicates that more than 900,000 Belgians currently own two or more residences, marking a historic high. This figure represents a significant portion of the population actively participating in the property market. Valerie, a 36-year-old Belgian resident, exemplifies this trend, having recently acquired a second property for approximately €100,000.
The motivations behind this investment vary. For Valerie, the affordability of the second home played a key role in the decision. Jozef, a 73-year-old Belgian, as well recently invested in a second home, highlighting the appeal of property as a long-term investment.
The increase in multiple property ownership is driven, in part, by the ability to capitalize on price discrepancies within the European market. The success of companies like Deldo, a major Belgian tire wholesaler, demonstrates the potential for profit through strategic market positioning and export-oriented business models. Founded in 1973 as a family business, Deldo maintains a strong infrastructure, including storage capacity for 1.2 million tires and a fleet of 30 vehicles with 70 trailers.
Despite previous considerations of a sale, with offers reaching €250 million, the Delcroix family, owners of Deldo, ultimately decided against selling the company. Philip and Kathleen Delcroix, the children of Jozef Delcroix, have since taken over the business, with Philip serving as operational director and Kathleen as CFO.
The Colruyt family, a prominent Belgian noble family, also demonstrates a history of successful business ventures. Originating with a bakery established in 1925, the family business has expanded significantly over three generations, becoming a major player in the Belgian economy. Jozef Maria, the 1st Baron Colruyt, was ennobled by King Albert II in 2012. The family’s genealogy includes artists, sculptors, and Catholic priests, reflecting a diverse range of talents and contributions.
Individuals seeking genealogical information about their ancestors can utilize resources like the State Archives of Belgium’s search engine, which contains over 41 million names and provides access to records such as birth, baptism, marriage, and death certificates.
