Antoine HORENBEEK
Selling a home in Belgium can seem complicated. There are many steps to follow, and precise rules to follow. This guide will take you through each step, from start to finish.
Prepare your home to attract buyers. Make sure you have all the necessary documents in order.
Correctly estimating the selling price is crucial. Too high an estimate can turn buyers away, while too low a price can cost you money.
Using a real estate expert or agency can also guarantee a fair valuation. A professional will analyze the value of your home based on the local market, the condition of the property, and current real estate trends. A well-fixed price attracts more serious buyers and facilitates the transaction.
To sell your home in Belgium, certain documents are essential. They guarantee a swift, legally compliant sale.
The town-planning check is crucial when selling a property in Belgium. This stage verifies that the property complies with local planning regulations. The town planning department compares the permits issued with the actual condition of the property.
A planning violation, such as an unauthorized extension, can block the sale.
It may be necessary to obtain planning permission before closing the sale. Certificates are also required, such as proof of the absence of soil pollution.
Each region (Wallonia, Brussels, Flanders) applies different rules in this respect.
Providing title deeds helps avoid complications related to easements or other non-conforming details.
In Wallonia, provide a letter of municipal planning information and a certified extract from the BDES. These documents specify the permits and the town-planning destination. Add a certificate proving that the soil is not polluted.
In Brussels, obtain planning information from the commune and the soil certificate from the IBGE. This certificate is essential to guarantee compliance.
In Flanders, a municipal stedenbouwkundig uittreksel and an OVAM soil certificate are mandatory. For properties built before 2001, also include an asbestos certificate.
A complete file simplifies the sale and reassures the buyer.
Choose a suitable sales method, prepare a clear advert and organize visits to attract buyers.
There are three main ways to sell a house in Belgium: by mutual agreement, publicly or online.
Vente de gré à gré is the most common method. It involves selling directly to a buyer, often with the help of a real estate agency or notary for the preliminary sale agreement.
Public sales, organized by a notary, offer greater transparency but attract fewer applicants. Finally, online sales via platforms such as BIDDIT.BE are becoming increasingly popular.
This option, also managed with a notary, enables us to reach a wide audience.
Each method has its advantages and costs. Direct sales can be fast and flexible. Public sales guarantee a clear, secure process. With online sales, lead times are short, and you can follow the bidding in real time.
The choice depends on the type of property, the real estate market and the seller's preferences. Professional advice from a notary or agent can help you decide which method is ideal for selling your home.
Antoine HORENBEEK
Publish the ad on popular platforms like Immoweb. It's the most widely used in Belgium for real estate sales. Add high-quality real estate photos.
They attract more potential buyers. Write clear, catchy copy. Explain all the assets of the property, its condition and its location.
Distribute the advert on social networks and through estate agents. Be sure to include transparent information, such as the energy performance certificate or the costs associated with the property.
Clear communication helps avoid mistakes and reach the maximum number of interested buyers.
Organizing visits to sell a house in Belgium is a key step. It requires preparation and attention to attract buyers.
In Brussels and Wallonia, an EPB certificate must be included in every sale advertisement. The intended use of the property must also be explicitly mentioned. In Flanders, the advertisement must include detailed town-planning information as soon as it is published.
If the building dates from before 2001, an asbestos certificate is also required. These rules guarantee greater transparency for potential buyers.
For condominiums, specific documents must be included in the ad. Minutes of general meetings and condominium bylaws are essential.
In the case of an inherited house, you'll need to obtain the necessary estate documents. Finally, if the property has an oil tank, this information must be included in the advertisement.
Negotiations can determine the final price of the house. The compromis de vente formalizes the agreement between buyer and seller.
Acceptance of a purchase offer must be formalized in writing. The offer must include the proposed price, a deposit and any conditions precedent. Once accepted, the parties have a legal period of four months to sign the deed of sale.
This document is legally binding on both buyer and seller. If either party goes back on their decision, there may be legal consequences. To avoid any misunderstanding, make sure that all agreed conditions are clearly noted.
The signing of the compromis de vente fixes the agreement between the seller and the buyer in Belgium. This official document is legally binding on both parties. A deposit, often 10% of the price, is required on signature.
To ensure legal certainty, it is advisable for the contract to be drawn up by a notary. These costs are generally borne by the buyer.
The compromise may include suspensive clauses. For example, the buyer must obtain a mortgage. Once signed, four months are allowed to finalize the deed of sale at the notary's office.
Respecting regional requirements is crucial to avoid delays in the sale of your home.
In Wallonia and Brussels, include the planning information provided by the commune in the compromise. These documents specify the applicable town-planning rules, such as permits issued or possible restrictions.
They guarantee a clear transaction for the buyer. An energy performance certificate (PEB) is also mandatory for any house put up for sale. Check that these documents are included in the sales file.
In Flanders, additional requirements apply. Each compromise must include detailed planning information, accompanied by an asbestos certificate for buildings constructed before 2001.
This certificate assesses the risks associated with the presence of asbestos in the building. Regional legislation imposes these precautions to protect the future owner and comply with real estate law standards.
Between the compromise and the final deed, you have to deal with the notary, check the documents and finalize the financial steps.
A mortgage often helps the buyer finance the purchase. The buyer must compare bank offers to find the best rate. This loan is based on real collateral, often the house itself.
It is essential to check your repayment capacity before making any request.
Banks ask for documents such as pay slips and bank statements. The notarial deed then finalizes the loan and purchase. The right choice of credit can reduce your costs in the long term.
The notary checks mortgages and other encumbrances on the property. He also checks the town planning to ensure that everything is in order. A certificate proving that the soil is not polluted is mandatory before the house is sold. This document protects the buyer.
An electrical installation report is also required. If the house is co-owned, specific documents are required. In the case of an existing lease, the notary ensures compliance with the existing lease contract.
These steps secure the transaction.
In Wallonia, check whether work carried out before 1998 qualifies for the town-planning amnesty. Contact the commune to confirm the conformity of any modifications made.
Make sure you have a certificate proving that the soil is not polluted. This document is mandatory to finalize the sale.
In Brussels, check for any planning violations. Consult your local planning department to avoid complications. Bruxelles Environnement issues the necessary soil certificates.
In Flanders, look out for asbestos and soil certificates. These documents guarantee that the property complies with environmental standards.
The signing of the acte authentique formalizes the sale. At this point, the property officially changes hands.
The acte authentique formalizes the sale. It is drawn up by a notary.
This document has legal force and guarantees the transfer of ownership.
Before signing, provide the ILL certificate and title deed.
Check the information with the town planning department to avoid mistakes.
Signing can be done remotely by videoconference or electronic signature. For condominiums, a soil pollution certificate is mandatory.
Make sure that everything is in order, so that you can complete this step with peace of mind.
The transfer of ownership becomes official once the deed of sale has been signed by a notary. This legally confirms that the property has been sold to the buyer. In Belgium, this step can be carried out remotely by videoconference and electronic signature.
The seller must provide documents such as non-pollution attestations and depollution certificates.
In Brussels, mandatory consultation of the Banque de Données de l'Etat des Sols (BDES) ensures that the land is free from contamination. To sell a condominium, specific documents must be submitted prior to signature.
Once the deed has been signed, payment of the balance and handover of the keys finalize the transaction.
Once you've sold your home, there are a number of steps to take. These steps finalize the legal and administrative process.
These formalities ensure a smooth and orderly transition after the sale of your property in Belgium.
Key steps include estimating the value of the property, setting a price, preparing your home, publishing a property advertisement, and finalizing with a notary.
To estimate the value, analyze the real estate market in Belgium, compare with similar properties, or ask an expert for advice.
Yes, it is possible to sell your property yourself, by drafting an advertisement and taking care of administrative formalities such as the right of preference and the inspection certificate.
Prepare your home by making it look its best: take quality photos, tidy up, clean and repair any visible defects.
Sales times vary according to market, location (such as a house in Wallonia), and price. It can take from a few weeks to several months.
The notary draws up the official deeds, ensures that the administrative steps are followed, and makes sure that everything complies with Belgian real estate laws.
Author : CORNIL Olivier
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