Every year, approximately 150,000 Dutch seek refuge abroad. For many of these people, it is a dream to buy a house in Belgium. Why Belgium and not some sunny place with a snow-white beach? This is because people like to go abroad and Belgium is not too far away and the culture is not too different. Are you thinking of buying or renting a house? emigrate to Belgium? Have you also thought about an affordable moving company? Read on for more tips and sharp deals.
Further advantages Belgium
Furthermore, in Flanders, of course, 'normal' Dutch is also spoken, which makes the step to emigrate a lot easier. The people who work in the border region also make this transition a bit easier. In the past, it was mainly the somewhat wealthier Dutch who chose to settle permanently in Belgium. These were also called fiscal refugees.
Nowadays this is no longer the case and the Dutch in Belgium are simply looking for more space and a cheap home. In this article we will discuss how to buy a house in Belgium.
Are houses in Belgium really much cheaper?
Yes. Land prices are a lot lower in Belgium and therefore houses and land are also a lot cheaper. When you compare this with our own Netherlands you actually see that the low land prices in Belgium are of course a lot more attractive for people who want to build a house. It can sometimes even make a difference of up to 40% in the price.
In Belgium you get more for your money
What you may have heard often is that for the price of a terraced house (terraced house, as they call it in Belgium) in the Netherlands you can buy a detached house in Belgium. With a large garden, at least 3 bedrooms, a garage and without strict building regulations.
Buying or renting a house?
Whether you should buy or rent a house in Belgium depends on your own personal situation. Are you leaving for a short time and do you want to see how things are going first? Then it is of course wise to rent an apartment first. Are you sure you want to emigrate and are you leaving for good? Then it is of course best to buy a house with our southern neighbors. It is of course nice to have your own home.
How do you arrange your mortgage?
In the past, you could choose whether you wanted to apply for your mortgage with a Dutch bank or a Belgian bank. Unfortunately, for years, Dutch banks have not provided mortgages on Belgian real estate. Nowadays, you have to take out a mortgage with a Belgian bank. You should take into account that some Belgian banks can be difficult about providing a mortgage when your entire income comes from the Netherlands.
Banks in Belgium work differently
The way banks work in both countries is also simply different. For example, the banks calculate the value of the property in a completely different way. Dutch banks assume the foreclosure value of a home and as far as mortgages in Belgium are concerned, Belgian banks look at the market value of a home. The market value of a home is the expected sales price under normal market conditions. Another striking difference is that banks in the Netherlands charge a substantial closing fee, while this is prohibited in Belgium.
Other differences with the Netherlands
Houses in Belgium are indeed cheaper, but of course there are more differences with regard to buying a house in the Netherlands or in Belgium. A good example is that in the Netherlands you get what you see. The total surface area of the house or plot are always exact figures. In Belgium, only an indication is given. It can therefore happen that a house or plot ultimately turns out to be larger or smaller. A Belgian real estate agent is also not obliged to report defects to the house to the buyer. That is why it is wise to always hire a valuer in Belgium. The best thing is of course to hire a Belgian valuer, because they are well informed about the rules in Belgium.
Even more differences
In Belgium it is also normal to request or receive a soil certificate. This is a document that shows that the house you are buying is not polluted. In the Netherlands this is not customary. Furthermore, in the Netherlands, for example, resolutive conditions are added to a private deed of sale, while this does not happen in Belgium.
Always use a real estate agent
In Belgium, the profession of a real estate agent is legally protected. Only real estate agents who are admitted by the BIV (professional institute of real estate agents) are allowed to practice their profession in Belgium. When you hire a real estate agent, you will of course have to deal with additional costs, but it is still recommended to do so. They can help you buy a property and can also help you with negotiations with the owner.
The steps to buying a house in Belgium
The purchase procedure in Belgium is not very complicated and can actually be divided into 3 steps. Of course, we do not include the search for an estate agent, bank or home.
Step 1.
The first step is for the buyer and owner to negotiate the price. The buying party can then think about it and decide what he/she wants.
Step 2.
Are all parties in agreement and has the owner been able to make a decision? Then of course we move on to step 2. This is called the 'compromis de vente'. In the Netherlands we know this as the 'preliminary purchase contract'. If the buyer agrees, the purchase can go ahead. The buyer can also cancel everything, but there are costs involved and that is why this does not happen often.
Step 3.
Now we come to the last step. This is the signing of the notarial deed. The purchase is now finally completed. This must happen within 4 months after the 'compromis de vente'.
Finally..
As you have read, there are still some differences between the Netherlands and Belgium when it comes to buying a house. It is wise that when you decide to move to Belgium and live there, you first do a good investigation into how everything is arranged in the country. Especially when you want to buy a house there. This way you know in advance what you have to arrange and what you can expect.
Do you have any questions?
Do you need more information or do you have any questions? Then you can always look at the related articles on our website. In our articles we try to inform you as well as possible, so who knows you can find your answer there.
