Steps in a property sale in Brussels

Selling property in Brussels involves following a multi-step process governed by Belgian legislation and the specific regulations of the Brussels-Capital Region. From preparing the file to signing the notarial deed, each phase has its own requirements and deadlines. This chronological guide takes you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Preparing the sale file

Before putting a property on the market, the owner must gather a set of documents that are mandatory in the Brussels Region.

The EPC certificate

The Energy Performance of Buildings certificate is mandatory for any sale (or rental) in the BCR. It must be drawn up by an accredited certifier and referenced from the first publication of the listing. The EPC assigns an energy class (A++ to G) that directly influences the perception and price of the property. Learn more about the EPC certificate in the BCR.

The soil certificate

Bruxelles Environnement issues a soil certificate that is mandatory for any transfer of a real property right. It indicates whether the land is registered in the inventory of polluted or potentially polluted soils. The time to obtain it is generally 2 to 4 weeks.

The planning information certificate

The planning information (CU1) specifies the designation of the parcel, the applicable requirements and any recorded infringements. This document is obtained from the commune and may require several weeks to process.

Co-ownership documents

For a flat or co-owned unit, the law requires the seller to communicate to the prospective buyer the charge accounts for the last two years, the amount of the reserve fund and any works voted at the general meeting.

Step 2: Estimating the value of the property

Setting the right price is the most critical decision in the sales process. A price that is too high prolongs the time on market and leads to disadvantageous negotiations; a price that is too low represents a direct loss.

Three approaches are possible:

• Online estimation: free and quick, but approximate (wide range)
• Professional estimation: property visit, analysis of comparables, reasoned opinion of value. Discover our property estimation service.
• Expert valuation: certified report, useful if the sale takes place in a particular context (inheritance, divorce, undivided ownership). Consult our pre-sale expert valuation service.

Step 3: Marketing the property

Putting the property on the market involves writing a detailed listing (professional photographs recommended), distributing it on property portals (Immoweb, Zimmo, Logic-Immo) and organising viewings.

If you use an estate agent, the commission ranges from 2 to 4% of the sale price in the Brussels Region. A private sale is an alternative that saves this commission at the cost of greater personal effort.

To maximise the appeal of your property, home staging is a tried-and-tested technique that accelerates the sale and can improve the price achieved.

Step 4: Negotiating and accepting an offer

Receipt of a written purchase offer marks a turning point. Under Belgian law, a written offer that is accepted constitutes a firm commitment (subject to any conditions precedent). Common negotiating points concern the price, the date of possession and conditions precedent (obtaining a mortgage, planning permission).

Step 5: Signing the purchase agreement (compromis)

The purchase agreement (compromis de vente or private agreement) sets the final terms of the transaction. It is generally drafted by the notary of one of the parties. The essential elements are:

• The identity of the parties
• The description and condition of the property
• The price and payment terms (a deposit of 5 to 10% is customary)
• Conditions precedent (mortgage, planning)
• The deadline for signing the notarial deed (maximum 4 months as a rule)

The compromis is a binding document: unilateral withdrawal exposes the defaulting party to contractual penalties or an action for specific performance.

Step 6: The period between the compromis and the notarial deed

During the 3 to 4 months between the compromis and the notarial deed, the notary carries out the legal verifications: mortgage status, planning situation, any pre-emption rights. The buyer finalises their mortgage.

Step 7: Signing the notarial deed

The notarial deed is signed before a notary. At this point, the transfer of ownership is definitive and the seller receives the balance of the price. Registration duties (12.5% in the Brussels Region) are payable by the buyer, as are notary fees.

The seller may be liable for capital gains tax if the property was held for less than 5 years (land) or if it was a speculative sale. For further details, consult our page on notary fees and capital gain.

Tips for a successful sale in Brussels

• Prepare all documents before listing to avoid delays
• Invest in professional photographs and an accurate description
• Set a realistic price based on a professional estimation
• Allow a total timeframe of 4 to 6 months from start to finish

Contact us to receive support at every stage of your Brussels property sale.

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