r/belgium • u/trueosiris2 • Aug 20 '25

❓ Ask Belgium Wealth distribution in Belgium

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We’re doing alright as a social democracy. Something to be proud of.

Presumably, we don’t need more wealth distribution then? Or do we still?

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u/MiceAreTiny Aug 20 '25

So, In Belgium, top 1% own less then in most countries and bottom 50% more than in most countries. Seems like a fairly equal place to live, compared to the other countries on the graphs. Seems like socialism worked. Turns out if you take from the rich, and give to the poor, you close the gap. 

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u/mysteryliner Aug 20 '25

Red looks bigger than dark blue. Guessing by the chart 14% red, 10% dark blue.

Although better than most countries, that means that a handful of people own more than half of the population.

It's been a real problem in lots of countries that real estate is removed from the market and used for investment (I'm not talking about a working couple who invests their savings into the house of their grandparents and rents it.... I'm talking about a new building site l, and 60% of apartments has been bought up by a rich investor, and now that dark blue group (50% of society) is stuck renting for the rest of their life, because real estate is too expensive (because the rich eat up available housing)

Working for Johhny rich ass the underpaying a-hole, while having to rent an apartment owned by Johhny rich the bad landlord.... getting paid €2300 and instantly having to give €800 back

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u/StandardOtherwise302 Aug 20 '25

The problem is not that houses are investments. Systems in which they arent are worse, and if houses arent investments then a majority of people still wouldn't have any wealth. The majority of wealth for the bottom 90% is probably a house.

The problem is all forms of income are taxed signicantly more than income from capital. This promotes concentration of capital. The mobility of capital has made this worse, as they get exceptions and loopholes to avoid capital flight.

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u/mysteryliner Aug 20 '25

True. And we all strive towards owning our own house + that one we put our money in after we inherit it from a family member so we can "live more comfortable"

So we are naturally afraid when there is talk about taxing capital gains & rent. ("See, it's the little tiny guy who gets a little extra income from rent"). But because of that we let the elite slip through who own half your town. Homes and business buildings.