Should I contact a notary before making an offer?

Yes, particularly when the offer contains conditions or important documents are missing. Belgian notaries can advise buyers independently, and asking before signature is more useful than discovering a problem after an accepted offer has already created obligations.

Which condition should I include for a mortgage?

The financing condition should define the required amount, timing and evidence precisely enough to work in practice. Do not copy vague wording from an online example. Ask your notary to adapt it to your financing situation and the transaction.

What should I check during the viewing?

Look for moisture, cracks, roof and window condition, heating, ventilation, electrical installation, water pressure, orientation, noise and common-building areas. Photograph or note uncertainties and request the supporting documents before making an unconditional offer.

Buyer checklist

What to check before making an offer on a home in Belgium

By Matthieu BrouillardUpdated 14 July 20269-minute read

The short answer

Before making an offer in Belgium, verify your financing, the property’s fair price, energy certificate, electrical inspection, planning information, soil and flood status, visible defects and—when buying an apartment—the co-ownership accounts and planned works. Ask your notary to review the wording because an accepted offer can bind you.

What should you do before making an offer?

Confirm the cash and loan limit: Get a realistic borrowing range and calculate the cash needed beyond the mortgage. Do not use the listing price as your affordability limit.
Check the price independently: Compare completed-sale medians with nearby listings of the same type and condition. Add immediate works before setting your maximum offer.
Read the available certificates: Request the EPC or PEB, electrical inspection and region-specific documents. Check their findings, dates and scope rather than accepting “certificate available” as a result.
Inspect the legal and physical risks: Ask about planning status, known infringements, easements, flood exposure, soil status, oil tanks, asbestos and defects. Requirements differ between Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia.
Have the offer wording checked: State the property, amount, validity period and any suspensive conditions clearly. Financing, missing information or another essential uncertainty should be addressed before you sign.

Documents and facts to request

Check	What to look for	Why it matters
EPC or PEB	Score, validity, recommendations and any renovation obligation	Energy use and required work affect the real monthly and renovation cost
Electrical inspection	Compliant or non-compliant result and defects listed	A negative report may require work after purchase
Planning information	Permits, designated use and possible infringements	The physical layout is not proof that it is authorized
Soil and flood information	Registered contamination and mapped exposure	These can affect safety, insurance, works and resale
Cadastral information	Parcel, cadastral income and correspondence with the property	The cadastral income influences recurring property tax

Extra checks when buying an apartment

An apartment purchase includes a private unit and a share of the common building. Review the basic deed, building rules, recent general-meeting minutes, working and reserve funds, arrears, litigation and approved or expected major works.

Pay particular attention to roof, façade, balconies, heating, lift and fire-safety work. Ask how the cost is divided and whether enough money is already reserved.

Is a Belgian property offer binding?

An offer can create a binding sale once the seller accepts it, depending on its wording and circumstances. A suspensive condition only protects you if it is written clearly and applies to the situation that occurs.

Have your notary review the offer before signature, especially when financing is not final or important property documents are missing. This guide is general information, not legal advice for a specific transaction.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and methodology

Rules and figures are time-sensitive. Check the linked official source before making a financial or legal decision.

Signing the preliminary sale agreement — Belgian Federation of Notaries
Selling a house: required information and certificates — Flemish Government
Buying an apartment — Belgian Federation of Notaries