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Real Estate Sale Checklist for Brussels
To sell a property in Brussels, follow 23 steps divided into five phases: administrative procedures, preparation, listing, showings, and negotiation. Before posting your listing, you must obtain the PEB certificate and urban planning information (RU), then gather the electrical inspection report and co-ownership documents, if applicable. This checklist guides you step by step, from notifying tenants to negotiating the final price.
I. Administrative Procedures
1. Notify the tenants
You are legally required (in the Brussels Region) to notify your tenants, by certified mail, of the sale of your property.
2. Tenants' Right of First Refusal
The seller is required to inform the tenant (who is a resident and has a long-term lease) of the sale price. The tenant has one month to decide.
If the property is offered for sale at a lower price than to another buyer, the owner or the owner’s notary must notify the tenant, who will then have 7 days to exercise their right of first refusal.
3. PEB
Make sure you have a valid PEB certificate (valid for 10 years). If you do not, request a new PEB certificate. It is a legal requirement to include the PEB rating in any publication (Immoweb listing, Facebook post, etc.).
Everything You Need to Know About the PEB in the Three Regions.
4. UK
Request the Urban Planning Information (RU). In the Brussels Region, you cannot publish your listing until you have received the RU from your municipality. Your municipality’s urban planning department has 30 days to provide it to you; if you have not received it within the legal timeframe, you may publish your listing.
5. Information Regarding the Condominium
If your property is part of a condominium, the following documents must be provided to potential buyers: the deed of establishment and the condominium bylaws, meeting minutes from the past 3 years, service charge statements from the past 2 years, and the balances of the operating fund and the reserve fund.
6. Electrical Certificate
Make sure you have the electrical system inspection certificate. It is valid for 25 years. The electrical system does not necessarily have to be up to code. If it is not up to code, it will be up to the buyer to bring it into compliance.
7. Property Tax Withholding
Let the seller know the amount of the cadastral income and the property tax. If you live in the Brussels region, find your property tax by clicking here.
8. Plans
Ideally, you should provide the buyer with a set of plans. You can request a copy of the zoning plans from your local planning department.
9. Flood Zone
Click here to print the map showing flood risks.
10. Soil Pollution
Check to see if the land on which your property is built is contaminated by clicking here.
Request a soil certificate by clicking here.
12. Right of First Refusal
Inform the buyer about any right of first refusal that may apply to your property. For the Brussels Region , check here.
The right of first refusal in the three regions.
13. Visit Report
Prepare a sales package—either in digital format to be sent by email before the visit, or in paper format to be provided during the visit. Include all important documents.
II. Preparation
14. Measurement
Measure the living area of your property. After calculating the total net living area (floor area), add 15% to estimate the gross area (including walls). Compare your result with that of the PEB certifier.
16. Photos
Take some great photos of your property, both inside and out. Don't forget to take a photo of the basement and the attic. Take the photos on a sunny day. Open the curtains and drapes, tidy up, and turn on all the lights.
III. Announcement and Strategy
17. Announcement
Write a short listing that includes the most important information. Highlight the positive features of your property. Include the energy performance rating (PEB) and the date the property will be available (at the time of closing or later).
On Immoweb, your listing will rank higher if you add at least 10 photos. Fill out as many fields as possible to get your listing to the top of search results.
18. Strategy
What strategy should you adopt? Should you sell at the best price or sell as quickly as possible? Feel free to discuss this with a real estate agent.
19. Real Estate Sign
You can easily create your real estate sign in Word, save it as a PDF, and print it at flyprint.be.
IV. Publication and Visits
21. Visits
Schedule showings on days when the weather forecast calls for sunshine. Open the curtains and drapes, tidy up, and turn on all the lights. Make the visitor feel at ease. Focus only on the positive aspects of your property and invite the visitor to ask questions. Answer honestly and openly to reassure the potential buyer.
V. Offers and Negotiations
22. Offers
Verify that the offers received include all the essential elements of a sale, such as the price, the property address, the names and signatures of the bidders, and an expiration date.
23. Negotiations
The crux of the matter. This is where it all comes down to. It’s a psychological battle. Don’t be too quick to accept a price lower than the listed price. If a buyer has made an offer, it means they’re interested and are probably willing to pay more than they’re offering. They’re likely testing you.
Any questions?
- A wealth of information: the notaries' website.
- Free, no-obligation estimate.
- Learn about our approach.
Frequently Asked Questions - Real Estate Sales in Brussels
What documents are required to sell a property in Brussels?
To sell a property in the Brussels-Capital Region, several documents are required: the PEB certificate, the Urban Planning Information (RU),the electrical inspection certificate,the soil assessment certificate, and, for condominiums, documents related to the condominium (articles of association, minutes of general meetings, and service charge statements). Additional information must be provided to the buyer: property tax, flood risks, soil contamination, heritage classification, and any right of first refusal.
Is an EPB certificate required to sell a property in Belgium?
Yes, the PEB (Building Energy Performance) certificate is required for any real estate sale in Belgium. It is valid for 10 years and must be included in all real estate listings (Immoweb, social media, etc.). Without a valid PEB, you cannot legally post your listing or finalize the sale.
What is Urban Planning Information (RU), and why is it necessary?
The Urban Planning Information (RU) is a document issued by your municipality’s urban planning department that provides information on the property’s designated use, any permits issued, potential violations, and easements. In the Brussels Region, you cannot publish your real estate listing until you have received the RU. The municipality has 30 days to issue it. Once this legal deadline has passed, you may publish your listing.
Can I sell my property in Brussels without a real estate agency?
Yes, it is entirely possible to sell your property without a real estate agency in Brussels. This checklist guides you through all the necessary steps. However, it requires time and expertise in legal, administrative, and business matters. If you’d like some assistance, IZIKOZI offers a comprehensive sales service starting at 2% (excluding VAT), with a free, no-obligation estimate.
How long does it take to sell a property in Brussels?
The time it takes to sell a property in Brussels depends mainly on the asking price and the quality of the marketing. A property that is properly valued and well presented generally sells within a few weeks. It takes about 4 months from the signing of the preliminary sales agreement to the final deed (standard notary processing time). An overpriced property can significantly extend the timeline.