Buy an Apartment in Belgium: Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Beyond

Belgian apartment buildings are governed by co-ownership rules. Before signing, ask for:

• the last three sets of owners' association minutes,
• the reserve fund balance and planned works,
• monthly charges and what they cover,
• the building's EPC and any renovation obligations,
• the property's urban planning status.

A notary will request many of these, but read them yourself to spot upcoming roof, façade or lift costs.

Registration duties of roughly 12% to 12.5% apply to second-hand purchases in most regions, with reductions for owner-occupiers in some, plus notary fees. New builds typically attract VAT. Confirm figures with a notary because regional rules have been revised. See the Belgium buying guide.

Expats working for EU bodies and NATO, students' parents in Ghent and Leuven-style university towns, and investors seeking steady rental demand. Rent indexation and tenant protections are strong in Belgium, so model returns conservatively and expect long tenancies. Short-term letting is regulated locally and needs permits in several cities.

Viewings in Belgium are usually arranged through the agent, and an offer is often made in writing with a short validity period. Once you accept and sign the compromis, you commonly pay a deposit of around 10%, held by the notary. Make sure any condition, such as obtaining a mortgage, is written in before you sign.