IMF Staff Country Reports

Belgium: Selected Issues

Publication Date:

March 12, 2015

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This Selected Issues paper illustrates the recent evolution in Belgian housing prices. Belgian housing prices peaked at the end of 2013 after a persistent increase that was almost continuous for 30 years. The stabilization of prices, combined with policy changes on the fiscal and macro-prudential fronts, raises the question how housing prices are likely to evolve and how a price decline would affect the Belgian economy. The paper assesses the risk of a rapid price correction and the potential repercussions for the real economy. It also argues that an orderly and limited decline in housing prices—coupled with a marginal negative effect on the real economy—is the most plausible scenario.

Series:

Country Report No. 2015/071

Subject:

Expenditure Financial institutions Fiscal consolidation Fiscal policy Housing prices Inflation Mortgages Prices