Antoine HORENBEEK
Buying real estate is a big step. It can be a life-changing investment, but you need to be careful. There are many things to check before you buy. This helps avoid hidden costs or future problems.
This article lists the points to check before buying a property. Read carefully to buy with confidence!
Access to public transportation makes getting around easier. A home close to a bus, metro or train network attracts more buyers. Shops within walking distance are a welcome convenience on a daily basis.
Living in a safe neighborhood is reassuring, especially for families with children. Noise pollution, such as a noisy road, can affect quality of life.
Future urban planning projects have an impact on the value of the property. A new school or park in the neighborhood adds interest. Local taxes, such as property withholding tax, influence the long-term budget.
A tour of the neighborhood will help you spot the good points and the bad. Location remains the key to a good real estate investment".
Inspecting the general condition of the property before buying remains essential.
On a similar subject, find out about compliance solutions and the consequences of a sale of a property in breach of town-planning regulations.
Check how close the property is to train, bus and metro stations. A well-connected house or apartment increases its value and makes daily life easier. Ask residents about the quality of services and waiting times.
Also check out the bike paths and available parking.
Infrastructure such as transportation has a direct impact on comfort. A nearby metro station makes getting around convenient, but neighborhood safety remains crucial.
Prepare a checklist before any visit to evaluate these elements.
Quality shops make everyday life more comfortable. A nearby bakery or supermarket makes life easier. Nearby schools are ideal for families with children.
This reduces journeys and improves organization.
Analyze safety. Consult the town hall or ask local residents about possible problems. Make a second visit in the evening. Noise pollution varies according to the time of day.
Noise from bars, heavy traffic or construction work can have an impact on your future home.
Construction projects in the neighborhood can affect the tranquility and value of the property. A new road or building nearby can increase noise pollution. Conversely, new shops or schools will be an asset for resale.
Ask the town hall about any building permits issued. Check the local urban development plan (PLU). A major construction site or industrial zone could devalue your home.
On the other hand, nearby bike paths or train stations can make the investment worthwhile.
Urban development can influence the local taxation of a property. In Wallonia, property tax is an annual tax calculated on the cadastral value of the property. For example, a house in the city with a high cadastral income will have a higher amount to pay.
Some communes also apply specific taxes. These may include a fee for second homes or a surcharge for local services. These costs may vary by region or town.
Find out about the applicable rates to avoid unpleasant surprises after the purchase.
Inspect the facade and roof. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks or missing tiles. Check insulation to avoid high energy costs.
A roof in poor condition can lead to water infiltration. You should also check that these elements comply with current standards.
Examine walls, ceilings and floors. Moisture or mold may indicate a structural problem. Significant cracks in the foundation indicate a risk of subsidence.
Make sure that the work carried out complies with current regulations. A major defect can cost you dearly in unforeseen renovations after the purchase.
The facade needs to be examined. Look for cracks in the bricks and joints. Note any signs of deterioration or damp. These defects may indicate the need for costly work.
Antoine HORENBEEK
Also check thermal and sound insulation. Poor insulation increases energy consumption and bills.
Check the condition of the roof. Look for damaged or missing tiles, signs of wear or infiltration. Ask for bills to see if any renovations have been carried out recently.
Make sure that the roof complies with the seller's specifications to avoid any hidden defects.
Inspect load-bearing walls for visible cracks. These cracks may indicate serious faults in the foundation. Also check the basement for subsidence or signs of dampness.
Such problems can lead to high renovation costs.
Make sure the seller guarantees that there are no hidden defects in the foundations and structure. If you discover a problem after purchase, comply with the legal requirements for a valid claim.
You should also ask for town-planning information to check the conformity and solidity of the property before signing any contract.
Check walls, ceilings and floors for signs of damp. Dark stains or musty smells often indicate problems. Water infiltration can cause serious structural damage and increase renovation costs.
Check for mold behind recent renovations. Cracks in walls or floor tiles may indicate subsidence. Ask the owner or real estate agent for details of the work carried out and its impact on insulation.
Impeccable walls are not enough if the property infringes town-planning regulations. Buildings or extensions must comply with local standards. In Wallonia, for example, an amnesty applies to offenses committed before March 1, 1998.
To avoid surprises, ask your local council for planning information.
Easements or pre-emptive rights may restrict land use. A poorly declared underground piping system may entail costs. If an infringement exists, the seller must mention it in the preliminary sales agreement.
Urban planning regularization can be costly and complicate real estate transactions.
Make sure all constructions or extensions have valid planning permission. Check whether rooms such as verandas, garages or annexes are declared. An unauthorized extension may result in additional costs or forced demolition.
Consult the official documents to avoid these problems.
Ask the local council for any permits relating to the property. Urban planning violations can have a negative impact on property value. Have your property inspected by an expert to identify any compliance-related work that needs to be carried out.
Obtain an extract of urban planning information from the commune for any property purchase in Brussels. In Wallonia, check the Banque de Données de l'Etat des Sols for any infringements.
In Flanders, ask for a town-planning certificate detailing the permits and uses of the property.
You can also check for easements such as rights of way. Any urban planning infringements must be declared by the seller in the preliminary sales agreement, especially in the Walloon Region.
Consult the town planning department for precise information. Call in a professional if necessary.
Urban planning violations can have serious consequences for the buyer. The commune can demand the demolition of illegal parts of the property, even after the purchase. In the Walloon Region, infringements must be mentioned in the preliminary sales agreement.
If this is not respected, the sale may be cancelled.
Significant financial penalties are also possible. Work carried out before March 1, 1998 is eligible for amnesty in Wallonia. However, this rule does not apply to construction in forestry zones or to housing built without a permit.
Always check with the commune to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Before buying a property, you need to check a number of technical diagnostics. These checks ensure safety and prevent unpleasant surprises.
The energy performance certificate (EPB) indicates the energy efficiency of an apartment or house. It is mandatory in Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders when selling property.
This real estate diagnostic assesses a property's energy consumption and environmental performance. Poor insulation can lead to high energy costs.
Check the condition of windows, roof and heating system to prevent surprises.
Analysis of the PEB also enables us to estimate the energy renovations required. A home with good insulation reduces costs, such as heating and hot water.
Find out about energy class before you invest. This information helps you decide whether the selling price corresponds to the property's performance.
Checking the electrical installation is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises. Check the condition of sockets and switches. Make sure everything complies with current safety standards.
An expert can identify any hidden defects. If the installation does not conform, you have 18 months after purchase to carry out the necessary work.
A technical audit by a professional is recommended before buying a house or apartment. This will enable us to assess the overall conformity of the property. We'll now move on to checking the gas diagnosis.
The gas compliance certificate is mandatory if the property has a gas installation. It guarantees that the system complies with current standards. This check is important to avoid the risk of domestic accidents, such as leaks or explosions.
This document is often required when buying a house or apartment. A certified technician carries out the inspection. He checks the safety of the equipment and the correct installation of the pipes.
Obtaining this certificate can reassure the buyer about the general condition of the house.
Always ask about soil conditions before buying a house or apartment. We often think of former industrial sites that may hide dangerous pollutants, but a leaking oil tank is also a frequent occurrence. In Wallonia and Flanders, this diagnosis is often mandatory for certain sales.
Toxic particles such as hydrocarbons or heavy metals can lead to costly repairs.
Check whether a certificate proves the quality of the soil. Ask your local council for information to avoid unpleasant surprises. Polluted land can limit projects such as a swimming pool or energy renovation.
These details have an impact on the choice and value of the property.
The asbestos certificate is mandatory for properties built before 2001 in the Flemish Region. This diagnosis identifies the presence of asbestos in the building.
Asbestos, often used in roofing, insulation or ductwork, represents a health hazard.
The asbestos diagnosis must be carried out by an accredited expert. This document is essential to finalize the deed of sale. If asbestos is present, work may be required.
This will enable the buyer to assess the costs of disposal.
Anticipate notary fees. In general, these represent around 7-8% of the purchase price for an older home. Add the taxe d'habitation and taxe foncière. These taxes depend on the location.
An apartment in a city center may have higher taxes than a house in a rural area. Take into account maintenance charges for a condominium. These include maintenance of common areas, the elevator and the shared garden.
Also check the cost of compulsory insurance.
Estimate the work required. Poor insulation or old windows often lead to high energy costs. A technical audit can reveal hidden problems such as infiltration or poor electrical conditions.
In the Flemish Region, asbestos certification is required for certain properties. Development projects in the vicinity can also influence your future costs, especially if infrastructure needs to be adapted.
Analyzing these factors is essential before making any major decision.
Carefully inspect walls, ceilings and floors for signs of damp or mold. Check electrical and plumbing installations with a professional technical audit.
This helps assess the need for compliance. Compliance is required to avoid unexpected expenses. Always keep documentation of the date of work carried out to prove its legality.
Ask your local council for planning information. This information will enable you to identify any necessary regularizations. In the Walloon Region, an amnesty may apply to illegal constructions prior to March 1, 1998.
Find out about the financial assistance available to reduce the total cost of your renovations.
Monthly charges include energy, water and insurance. For an apartment, add condominium fees. These cover maintenance of common areas such as the elevator and garden.
A house may require more annual maintenance, such as heating or insulation.
You should also calculate the costs associated with energy consumption. For example, an old, poorly insulated house will cost more in energy. Check annual bill statements for an accurate estimate.
Check the condominium bylaws before buying a condominium apartment or house. This document defines your rights and obligations. Read it carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Common areas must be well maintained. This reflects the overall management of the condominium. Ask for the latest minutes of general meetings to find out what decisions have been made.
Also look at the frequency of meetings and the transparency of verbal exchanges between co-owners.
Make a thorough visit to examine the condition of the exterior and interior. Highlight any work required in shared spaces. Ask a professional for a technical audit to assess the actual situation.
Check all legal documents, such as the compromis de vente, to avoid any ambiguity. Take the time to ask key questions about charges or future plans.
Read the condominium bylaws carefully before you buy. This document sets out the rights and obligations of owners. It may impose restrictions on the use of the property, such as prohibiting short-term rentals.
Identify any major common charges. These may include maintenance of the common areas, the elevator or collective heating. These have a direct impact on your monthly costs.
The minutes of general meetings reveal key information. They show work that has been voted on, completed or planned. Consult them to identify any work in progress or planned.
Check whether the work involves high costs for co-owners.
Also analyze the disputes mentioned in these documents. Some disputes may concern nuisances or unpaid charges. The frequency of meetings may also indicate active or problematic co-ownership management.
Check whether the property is mortgaged or tied up in litigation. This information can often be found in the title deeds and cadastral documents. Easements should also be analyzed.
For example, a shared road may limit your rights to the land. A commune's right of pre-emption can also block the sale if it wishes to buy first.
Take the time to find out all you need to know before signing.
The seller must guarantee protection against hidden defects and eviction disputes. However, he is not obliged to guarantee the general condition of the property.
Inspect thoroughly with an expert to avoid unpleasant surprises such as structural defects.
Ask the commune for planning information to avoid costly infringements. A notary will advise you not to sign without these essential checks.
The seller must guarantee that the property is free from hidden defects. These defects are not visible during the first visit to the house or during a counter-visit with an expert. For example, a hidden infiltration or structural problem may be discovered after the purchase.
If a hidden defect is found, the buyer can request a partial refund, damages or even cancellation of the sale.
Some real estate advertisements include exonerating clauses in the preliminary sales agreement. These clauses can limit the seller's liability for hidden defects.
Buyers should analyze these contracts carefully. The next step also concerns mortgages and any disputes relating to the property.
Check whether the property is subject to a mortgage or pending litigation
Hidden defects are not the only risk. A mortgage or pending litigation may reduce the value of the property. Check with your notary whether the property is encumbered by a debt or legal proceedings.
Such a situation can complicate a mortgage or delay the purchase.
Ask neighbors about possible problems, such as disputes over the property. Also check the property advertisement for accuracy. A detailed visit may reveal signs of disputes, such as disputed or undeclared work.
It's best to avoid unpleasant surprises after purchase.
A mortgage or legal dispute may affect title to the property. Check that the property legally belongs to the seller. Ask for a copy of the notarial deed to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Consult the land registry to confirm the cadastral situation. Check the cadastral references with the local authority. This ensures that the boundaries and surface area of the plot are correct.
Inspect walls for cracks, damp or mould. Check floors for water infiltration. Examine the roof and facade for signs of wear and tear or insulation problems.
Look at the foundations to avoid subsidence. Bring a flashlight to inspect dark areas.
Check electrical and gas installations to ensure compliance. Check overall insulation and the condition of windows. Ask for technical diagnoses, such as the PEB certificate or the asbestos certificate in the Flemish region.
Note any apparent defects that could influence the purchase of the house.
Carrying out a counter-inspection with a building expert guarantees an accurate assessment. The expert identifies hidden defects and major faults in the property. He can also check the general condition of the property, such as infiltrations or cracks.
This avoids unpleasant surprises after the purchase. Notaries advise you not to sign before these checks have been carried out.
An expert helps estimate future work and costs. He or she also analyzes the property's environment, such as noise and accessibility. This step protects the buyer and reinforces his knowledge of the property.
Visiting a home with a specialist limits unforeseen events during the final purchase.
Ask why the owner is selling. This may reveal hidden problems or urgent reasons that influence the price. Find out how long the property has been on the market.
If it's been several months, this may indicate a problem or provide an opportunity for negotiation.
Ask about recent work carried out, such as insulation, boiler or double-glazed windows. This will reduce future costs. Ask about the condition of the floors, roof and any visible signs of damp or mould.
Selling a property requires several documents. Prepare them in advance to avoid delays. Respect every obligation to ensure a secure sale. Be transparent with buyers.
This builds trust and avoids problems.
Before you buy, check the condition of the property, the number of rooms and the work required. Make sure everything matches your needs.
A checklist helps you make sure you don't forget anything. It allows you to check every important point before making a purchase.
Take the time to analyze the property, ask questions and compare with other offers before deciding.
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Author : CORNIL Olivier
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