In Belgium
The health index was created in 1994 to serve as the basis for indexation of rents, social benefits and wages. Unlike the consumer price index, it excludes four product categories: tobacco, alcoholic beverages, petrol and diesel.
This exclusion smooths fluctuations and prevents oil price variations from directly affecting rents. Published monthly by Statbel (FPS Economy).
Formula
Indexed rent = base rent x new health index / starting health index
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Good to know
Don’t confuse the health index with the pivot index. The pivot index triggers wage and social benefit adjustments. The health index is a monthly value used for rent indexation.
Practical example
Lease signed 1 May 2024. Health index April 2024: 129.45. At anniversary (1 May 2025), April 2025: 132.18. Ratio: 132.18 / 129.45 = 1.0211 (2.11% increase). On 900 EUR base: 918.99 EUR.
Key considerations
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Warning
The health index is published with a one-month delay: January’s index is available in early February. For a lease anniversary on 1 February, the reference is January’s index.