Never before have so many people in Belgium moved from region to region as in 2023. A total of 73,870 people moved, reports the Confederation of Real Estate Professions (CIB).
The largest movement took place from Brussels to Flanders or Wallonia: no fewer than 37,613 Brussels residents left the capital. ‘Most people who move from Brussels to Flanders or Wallonia do so because their money is worth more there. Homes are much more expensive in Brussels, sometimes they even cost a third more,” says CIB spokesperson Kristophe Thijs. The Brussels residents who leave mainly settle in the Walloon or Flemish outskirts, ‘in order not to lose their connection with Brussels’.
Urban flight continues
Not only are people moving away from the capital, people are also coming to live. In 2023, 10,856 Flemish people and 8,532 Walloons moved to Brussels. “These people are mainly looking for a place to live that is not so far from their work,” says Thijs.
Despite the fact that Brussels is indeed adding residents, and that more Flemish and Walloons are moving to Brussels again since the corona crisis, the urban exodus continues. For example, Brussels lost 18,225 inhabitants to the other regions in 2023, while in 2011 there were ‘only’ 13,858. Since 2021, urban flight has remained approximately at the same level.
Finally, 7,496 Flemish people moved to Wallonia in 2023, and 9,373 people made the opposite move. ‘The Flemish people who settle in Wallonia mainly do so because of the lower real estate prices,’ concludes Thijs.
