Belgium building permits rise 10% in H1, first gain in five years

Building permits in Belgium increased by over 10% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, marking the first annual rise in five years. However, permit volumes remain well below historical levels (26,000-29,000), and Embuild warns of a housing crisis, citing high costs and government levies. The increase signals a tentative recovery in construction, but affordability constraints persist.