Credit Figures in Belgium: Trends, Risks and Opportunities in 2026
From rising installment loans to slowing mortgage credit, the way Belgians borrow has changed dramatically over the last decade. Understanding these credit figures in Belgium is essential to finance your projects safely and at the best possible conditions in 2026.
Between an uncertain economic context, more diversified borrowing purposes and higher amounts, it is more important than ever to understand how the Belgian credit market works. This knowledge helps you compare offers, avoid over-indebtedness and negotiate financing tailored to your real needs.
Get your free simulation for Credit Figures in BelgiumKey Credit Insights in Belgium for 2026
• More Belgians are using installment loans for personal projects.
• Average borrowed amounts have grown significantly in the last 10 years.
• Mortgage credit shows an opposite trend, with a slowdown in demand.
A Fragile Economic Context That Reshapes Credit in Belgium
Europe has been facing a persistent financial and economic crisis since 2008. Unemployment has reached historically high levels, and the number of bankruptcies continues to set new records year after year. Despite the efforts of governments in the European Economic Area to revive growth after multiple quarters of recession, the recovery remains fragile and uneven in 2026.
This gloomy macroeconomic environment is directly reflected in the credit world. On one hand, households need financing to maintain their standard of living and realise their projects. On the other hand, the risk of default is increasing, prompting lenders to be more cautious when analysing applications and setting borrowing conditions.
As a result, the credit figures in Belgium show contrasting dynamics: a sharp rise in consumer loans, especially installment loans, and at the same time, a relative slowdown in mortgage credit, particularly for property purchases and construction.
Did you know?
According to data from the Professional Credit Union (UPC), Belgians have accumulated millions of installment loans over the past decade, with total outstanding amounts growing much faster than the number of contracts themselves. This indicates that borrowers are financing increasingly larger projects or combining several needs into a single loan.
From Housing to Personal Projects: Belgians Borrowing for More Diverse Needs
Ten or twenty years ago, Belgians mainly borrowed to buy a house, build, renovate their home or take out an auto loan. Today, the reality is very different: it has become perfectly common to apply for a loan to go on holiday, buy school books, finance medical or cosmetic procedures, or cover unforeseen personal expenses.
Back in 2010, barely 6% of installment loans were used for such personal projects. Within just three years, that share almost tripled to reach around 15%, an astounding increase of 9 percentage points over a very short period. Since then, this trend has stabilised but remains structurally higher, confirming that Belgians are using credit more flexibly and for secondary purposes that go beyond basic housing needs.
This diversification of borrowing purposes highlights the importance of carefully choosing the right type of credit, its duration and the total cost. A well-structured installment loan can be an effective tool to spread expenses, provided that the monthly repayment fits within a realistic budget.
Larger Borrowed Amounts and Rising Repayment Pressure
At the end of June 2012, Belgians already accumulated around 2 million installment loans, which represented an increase of about 12% over ten years according to figures from the Professional Credit Union (UPC). The total outstanding amount of these loans reached 16.63 billion euros, an impressive increase of nearly 57% over the same period.
These figures reveal a crucial trend: the number of contracts has grown, but above all, the average amount per loan has climbed significantly. A survey conducted on 1,200 people showed that 46% of respondents were repaying at least one loan at the time of the survey, compared to 38% three years earlier. In other words, a growing share of households is structurally dependent on credit to manage their finances.
While this access to financing helps maintain consumption and support the economy, it also increases the risk of financial stress for the most vulnerable borrowers. This is why a personalised analysis of your ability to repay and your existing commitments is essential before signing a new contract.
Record Levels of Defaults and a Slowdown in Mortgage Credit
The rapid expansion of credit has a direct corollary: the amount of payment defaults has reached historically high levels in Belgium. As early as August 2013, defaults already totalled 2.888 billion euros according to the Central Credit Register for Individuals. Since then, the authorities and lenders have tightened responsible lending rules, but the risk of over-indebtedness remains a central concern in 2026.
At the same time, the figures show an opposite trend for mortgage credit. While consumer confidence is slowly recovering, the broader economic situation remains complex, and property prices remain high in many regions. According to the UPC mortgage credit barometer, the number of mortgage credit applications at one point fell by 6.8% year-on-year, with total requested amounts decreasing by 6.4%.
The credits effectively granted also declined, both in terms of number (-13%) and amount (-10%). This divergence between strong demand for installment loans and more cautious recourse to mortgage credit suggests that many households prefer to postpone large real estate projects and instead finance more targeted or shorter-term needs.
How to Protect Yourself When Borrowing in 2026?
• List all your existing loans and monthly payments before subscribing to a new one.
• Compare APR, total cost and duration of several offers, not just the monthly amount.
• Anticipate a financial buffer to absorb unexpected expenses.
• Seek independent advice to choose the most suitable solution for your personal and professional situation.
Make the Most of Credit Figures in Belgium with a Reliable Partner
By understanding how Belgians borrow today, you can secure better conditions and protect your budget over the long term.
Clear Market Insight
We analyse the latest credit figures in Belgium to help you understand trends in installment and mortgage loans, so you can make decisions based on current and reliable data rather than guesswork or outdated information.
Responsible Borrowing
Our approach focuses on the sustainability of your project: we help you find a balance between available offers, your repayment capacity and your long-term financial security, limiting the risk of default or over-indebtedness.
Tailored Solutions
Whether you want to finance a personal project, a vehicle or a property purchase, we guide you towards credit solutions adapted to your situation, your objectives and your profile, rather than standardised, one-size-fits-all products.
Use Credit Figures in Belgium to Your Advantage in 2026
The latest credit figures in Belgium reveal both new opportunities and increased risks for borrowers. By surrounding yourself with the right experts and taking the time to analyse your options, you can finance your projects under better conditions and with greater peace of mind.
Get your free simulation pour Credit Figures in Belgium