23 October 2025

Essential information and visits in Belgium

Buying a property is an exciting project... but also complex. To avoid unpleasant surprises and make an informed choice, it is essential to have the right information and to prepare carefully for each visit. Whether it is a question of Essential legal documents, the environment of the property or its general condition, some points deserve special attention.  We review the essential elements to check before and during your visits, as well as just a few practical tips to effectively compare properties and move forward serenely towards your future acquisition.

Essential information to appreciate a property

Belgian regulations are very strict on the nature and quality of the information provided to buyers.

1. Mandatory documents

  • Title deeds (purchase, inheritance, transfer,...)
  • EPB (Energy Performance of Buildings) certificate
  • Electrical Installation Inspection Certificate
  • Soil certificate
  • Basic deed of co-ownership or deed of division of the land
  • Urban planning information
  • Asbestos certificate (in Flanders)
  • Flood zone or flood risk zone
  • If oil or gas tank of 3,000 L or +: ask for the leak check certificate, or inerting certificate if the tank is out of order.

2. General condition and future costs

  • Thermal insulation (and in some cases: acoustics): frames, roof and walls.
  • Breakdown of the property
  • Heating, plumbing, electricity.
  • Forecasts of possible works.

3. Setting of the property

  • Urban planning projects planned.
  • Nearby utilities (bus, train, tram, metro).
  • Shops, services and schools/university.
  • Sports centres and relaxation areas (parks, nature, reserve, etc.)
  • Potential nuisances (noise, traffic).
4. Condominium

Co-owned properties are very common in Belgium. It is essential to check:
  • The minutes of the general assemblies of the last 3 years.
  • The amount of the annual charges.
  • The reserve fund for future work.
  • The existence or not of a dispute.
  • The basic act and the internal regulations.
👉 Ask for the contact details of the condominium manager.


Preparation of visits

Visits are a crucial step in the buying process. Here are some tips:

👉 Finally, when you have found the ideal property, prepare your offer to purchase with the help of your real estate agent.

🔎 Discover all the steps of the Belgian Property Buyer's Guide: