The Housing Finance System

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A. Primary Housing Finance Market

A.1 Industry Structure and Performance
VariableEnd of 2018End of 2017End of 2016SourcesVar ID
Types of originating lenders/market share:A.1.2
Universal/ commercial banks95.9% of total95.7% of totalNot availableA.1.2.1
Others (e.g. insurance co, pension funds, labor tax funds)4.1% of total4.3% of totalNot availableA.1.2.5
Identify the 3 largest loan originating lendersBNP Paribas Fortis, KBC Bank, Belfius BankBNP Paribas Fortis, KBC Bank, Belfius BankBNP Paribas Fortis, KBC Bank, Belfius Bank
RelBanks
A.1.3
Are there (quasi) public mortgage lenders:YesYesYes
Research
A.1.4
Universal/ commercial banksYesYesYes
Belfius Bank
A.1.4.1
Level of Non-Performing Mortgage Loans (90 days or more past due):A.1.6
as a % of # of loansNot availableNot available1.1%
 
A.1.6.1
as a % of outstanding loan amountNot availableNot availableNot available
 
A.1.6.2
Average 1997-2007 A.1.7
A.2 Size of Mortgage Finance Sector
VariableEnd of 2018End of 2017End of 2016SourcesVar ID
Total amount of home mortgage loans outstanding at the end of year in millions of USD:282,274.56 USD (millions)279,705.54 USD (millions)230,373.56 USD (millions)A.2.1
Total amount of home mortgage loans outstanding at the end of year as % of GDP (current)55.03%56.4%49.03%
HypoStat and WEO
A.2.1.1
Total # of home mortgage loans outstanding at the end of yearNot availableNot availableNot available
 
A.2.2
Total amount of home mortgages made in calendar year in millions of USD41,209.41 USD (millions)37,827.47 USD (millions)41,057.03 USD (millions)A.2.3
and as % of GDP (current) 7.74%7.63%8.74%
HypoStat and WEO
A.2.3.1
A.3 Housing Finance Products
VariableEnd of 2018End of 2017End of 2016SourcesVar ID
Mortgage products as % of all mortgages (approx.) in local currency:A.3.1
Fixed rate for life of loan76.3%88.6%Not availableA.3.1.1
Variable rate/indexed6.7%1.4% 
HypoStat
A.3.1.2
Most prevalent type of foreign currency mortgage used:A.3.3
Most frequent interest rates on fully amortizing:A.3.4
10 year fixed rate mortgageNot availableNot availableNot available
 
A.3.4.1
Typical lender fees associated with mortgage origination: A.3.6
Typical third party fees associated with mortgage origination:A.3.7
Loan-to-Value (LTV) on first mortgage: A.3.8
Maximum LTVNot availableNot availableNon-applicableA.3.8.1
Typical LTV at origination656565A.3.8.2
Maximum term over which pmt is calculated? 30 years30 years30 yearsA.3.9
Mortgage pmt-to-income ratio A.3.10
Typical pmt-to-income ratio (HH income)40%40%40%A.3.10.3
Typical pmt-to-income ratio (Individual income)40%40%40%A.3.10.4
A.4 Lending and Servicing Process
VariableEnd of 2018End of 2017End of 2016SourcesVar ID
Does the mortgage industry use standard principles/guidelines for underwriting?YesYesYesA.4.1
Which institutions define underwriting rules? A.4.2
Central Bank/Ministry of FinanceYesYesYesA.4.2.1
A.5 Credit Risk Assessment
VariableEnd of 2018End of 2017End of 2016SourcesVar ID
Do credit bureaus exist? YesYesYesA.5.2
Are there legal/regulatory constraints to gaining access to credit information?YesYes A.5.2.1
Is mortgage default insurance available?YesYes A.5.3
Is there public sponsored MI / guarantee?YesYes A.5.5
B. Funding Sources for Mortgages and the Secondary Mortgage Market
VariableEnd of 2018End of 2017End of 2016SourcesVar ID
What are the main funding sources for mortgages?B.1
Retail funding (deposits/other)primaryprimaryprimaryB.1.1
Funding through mortgage bonds secondarysecondarytertiaryB.1.3
Funding through securitization of mortgagestertiarytertiarysecondary
IMF
B.1.4
C. Housing Microfinance
VariableEnd of 2018End of 2017End of 2016SourcesVar ID
Types of lenders operating in the housing micro-finance (HMF) sector:C.2
Level of NPLs (>90 days past due) in HMFC.4
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Notes: 1% Insurance Companies; 1.3% Other
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1) Registration Tax (old properties only); 2) Value Added Tax (new properties only)
Notes: 1.3% Insurance companies; 2.8% Other
Notes: 1.7% Insurance Companies; 2.2% Other
Notes: 1.7% Insurance companies; 2.6% Other
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 16.5% capital gains tax payable only for developed properties within 5 years of purchase. After 5 years, no capital gains tax is payable.
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2010 = 100
Notes: 2016 = 100
Notes: 2016 = 100
Notes: 2016 = 100
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy called the 'withholding tax' is collected on immovable property located in Belgium. The tax rate ranges from 1.25% to 2.5% and is imposed on the cadastral value of the property.
Notes: A levy known as "immovable withholding tax" is imposed on the deemed income from immovable property located in Belgium. Although called "withholding tax", this tax is levied by assessment. Tax on immovable property is levied on the cadastral value of the property at rates ranging from 1.25% to 2.5% depending on the location.
Notes: A levy known as "immovable withholding tax" is imposed on the deemed income from immovable property located in Belgium. Although called "withholding tax", this tax is levied by assessment. Tax on immovable property is levied on the cadastral value of the property at rates ranging from 1.25% to 2.5% depending on the location.
Notes: Access to ENR data is restricted to ENR database participants
Notes: Access to ENR data is restricted to ENR database participants
Notes: Actual value is -0.24%
Notes: Actual value is -0.59%
Notes: Actual value is -0.66%
Notes: Belfius Bank and Insurance formerly known as Dexia Bank Belgium, is a government owned company. The firm was purchased by the Belgian State in 2011.
Notes: Belfius Bank and Insurance, formerly known as Dexia Bank Belgium, is a government owned company. The firm was purchased by the Belgian State in 2011.
Notes: Belfius Bank and Insurance, formerly known as Dexia Bank Belgium, is a government owned company. The firm was purchased by the Belgian State in 2011.
Notes: Belfius Bank and Insurance, formerly known as Dexia Bank Belgium, is a government owned company. The firm was purchased by the Belgian State in 2011.
Notes: Belfius Bank and Insurance, formerly known as Dexia Bank Belgium, is a government owned company. The firm was purchased by the Belgian State in 2011.
Notes: Belfius Bank and Insurance, formerly known as Dexia Bank Belgium, is a government owned company. The firm was purchased by the Belgian State in 2011.
Notes: Belfius Bank and Insurance, formerly known as Dexia Bank Belgium, is a government owned company. The firm was purchased by the Belgian State in 2011.
Notes: Belfius Bank and Insurance, formerly known as Dexia Bank Belgium, is a government owned company. The firm was purchased by the Belgian State in 2011.
Notes: Government-related institution provides "socially targeted" MI
Notes: Housing bonus system in Flanders allows homeowners to deduct capital repayments and insurance premiums (related to mortgages) from income for tax purposes. The total deduction is 40% tax relief up to EUR 1,520. 
Notes: Housing bonus system in Flanders, which allows household owner to obtain a deduction consisting of interest, capital repayments, and life insurance premiums
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: If one buys a second house, a system based on long-term savings applies. This system consists of the capital repayments and premiums used to pay for life insurance schemes and serves as a guarantee for the reimbursement of the mortgage. The level of deduction amounts to EUR 2,260
Notes: Immovable property gift tax rate for spouses, legal partners, direct-line descendants ranges from 3% to 27%.
Notes: Immovable property tax is imposed at the regional level. Rate is 1.25% to 2.5% depending on the location.
Notes: In August 2012, the Belgian Parliament adopted the legislation on covered bonds. The legal basis for Belgian covered bonds is incorporated into the banking law.
Notes: In August 2012, the Belgian Parliament adopted the legislation on covered bonds. The legal basis for Belgian covered bonds is incorporated into the banking law.
Notes: In August 2012, the Belgian Parliament adopted the legislation on covered bonds. The legal basis for Belgian covered bonds is incorporated into the banking law.
Notes: In August 2012, the Belgian Parliament adopted the legislation on covered bonds. The legal basis for Belgian covered bonds is incorporated into the banking law.
Notes: In August 2012, the Belgian Parliament adopted the legislation on covered bonds. The legal basis for Belgian covered bonds is incorporated into the banking law.
Notes: In August 2012, the Belgian Parliament adopted the legislation on covered bonds. The legal basis for Belgian covered bonds is incorporated into the banking law.
Notes: In August 2012, the Belgian Parliament adopted the legislation on covered bonds. The legal basis for Belgian covered bonds is incorporated into the banking law.
Notes: Mortgage interest payments qualify for a deduction in the personal income tax. This is part of the country's Mortgage Interest, Insurance Premiums, and Capital Deduction Scheme (MICPD).
Notes: NBB sets recommendations for LTV limits, but banks can still grant mortgages with higher LTVs by discretion
Notes: No enforced maximum, but the National Bank of Belgium explicity recommends an LTV of 90% for owner-occupied housing, 80% for buy-to-let
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: On January 1, 2005, a tax deduction commonly referred to as the "housing bonus" replaced the "home purchase savings" tax incentive. This new deduction allows an individual who purchases their "own and sole" home with a mortgage loan with a minimum of ten years to deduct the interest, capital depreciation, and other insurance premiums paid in connection with the loan from their income
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants that pay market price rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: Percent of tenants with reduced or free rent
Notes: The Housing Bonus tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The 'housing bonus' tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The Housing Bonus tax deduction also includes home construction and renovation expenses
Notes: The lender must give the European Standardised Information Sheet (ESIS), a document that provides an overview of terms and conditions on the offer
Notes: The typical range is 30-50
Notes: The typical range is 30-50
Notes: The typical range is 30-50
Notes: The typical range is 30-50
Notes: The typical range is 30-50
Notes: The typical range is 30-50
Notes: The typical range is 30-50
Notes: There is a "housing bonus" system which allows the owner of a house to deduct interest capital repayments.
Notes: Transfer/registration taxes apply at rates from 0.2% to 12.5% depending on type of transaction and region where the property is located.