Sell a property in Belgium

How to sell a property in Belgium, via an Estate Agent, an agent who specializes in overseas property, or if selling a property by owner.

To sell a house, apartment, villa or any type of property in Belgium, you'll need to follow some simple steps.

In Belgium it is essential to have to hand a clear legal title to the property, and ensure you have all the correct documents before you come to sell a property in Belgium.

By Belgian law and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be provided, which shows the energy efficiency of the property. You can get this certificate through an accredited energy expert.

You have the option of selling by owner, or using an estate agent to assist in the selling process. There is no option though when it comes to the leagl side of the sale. Use a real estate lawyer or notary that specializes in Belgium real estate transactions.

Marketing and advertising the property should be done in a wide variety of avenues, including listing on an international property listings website, especially if selling by owner (FSBO).

Sign the deposit contract and move towards closing the transaction once you have found a buyer for your property.

In Belgium, you the seller will pay taxes, a tax that is usually a percentage of the profit from the sale.

In general, there is no capital gains tax on the sale of a property unless you sell it within five years of purchase and the property is not your primary residence.

The buyer usually pays the registration fees, which are around 10% (in Flanders) or 12.5% (in Wallonia and Brussels) of the sale price, but this is negotiable. Sellers may be liable for certain taxes or fees depending on the region.

You can work with a team of attorneys, accountants, and real estate agents during the sale or a mix of those professions depending on how you wish to sell your property.

Note this information is purely a guide, and if selling or renting in Belgium, we advise you to seek professional help as relates to your specific needs.