Singles are taking the plunge and buying their own homes

More and more Flemish people are buying their own homes. Single people have long been the largest group of apartment buyers, but their share continues to rise. This trend is particularly noticeable in Antwerp. And what is striking is that it is often young people in their twenties who are no longer waiting for the right partner, but are simply becoming homeowners themselves. How do you explain this evolution

More singles, more owners

More and more single people are taking the step towards owning their own home. According to new figures from Fednot, last year only one name appeared on the deed for 56% of apartments purchased; in Antwerp, this figure rises to 61%. Singles are also gaining ground in the housing market. According to notary Bart van Opstal, this is logical: “Single people and single parents now make up around 45% of Belgian households, and this trend is clearly visible in the housing market.” It is striking that young singles between the ages of 26 and 30 in particular are no longer waiting for a partner, but are buying their own apartments. “They have often been working for several years and don't want to be left behind,” says Van Opstal. The expensive and tight rental market certainly plays a role in this. “For that rent, I might as well pay off a loan,” we often hear. Moreover, apartments are smaller and therefore more affordable, and later on they can be an asset: if they do meet a partner, selling both of their properties can be a nice step towards a more spacious home.

Price-conscious buying

Nevertheless, singles are cautious. They tend to buy cheaper properties than couples, who have more financial clout. In 2024, a single person paid an average of €313,500 for a house, while couples paid an average of €393,100. For apartments, the difference was smaller: €263,700 for singles compared to €293,700 for couples.

“This price awareness is logical,” says Van Opstal. “Prices have risen sharply in five years, making it more difficult for singles. So they are looking more critically at what is feasible.”

The market is adapting

It is clear that the growing number of singles not only want to rent, but also want to buy. And the real estate market has to take this into account. “We have seen a sharp increase in the supply of apartments for several years now,” Van Opstal notes. “Five years ago, one in four homes sold was an apartment. Last year, it was already almost one in three. This shift is necessary. Otherwise, singles risk being left frustrated on the sidelines.”

He expects the trend to continue, with even more smaller apartments—not only in cities, but also in smaller municipalities, where demand is visibly increasing.

Het Laatste Nieuws (2025).Singles veroveren de vastgoedmarkt, CIB Community. Geraadpleegd op 3 juli 2025.

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Singles are taking the plunge and buying their own homes