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 it’s better to ask before you sign than to find a problem once 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. Don’t 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 anything you’re unsure about 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 6 October 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.

Bring a checklist written for this property

An immetrics report turns the listing, price evidence and address-level risks into questions for the agent, viewing and notary.

The verdict up front: where the asking price sits, the cash you need on day one, and what it costs each monthOpen the full 11-page sample

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. Don’t 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. For the medians, see Belgian property prices by municipality, split by property type.
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 anything else essential that’s still uncertain needs to be dealt with 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 isn’t proof that it’s 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’s written clearly and covers what actually happens.

Have your notary review the offer before signature, especially when financing isn’t 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. Methodology

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