Best Real Estate Lawyers in Belgium

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Kortrijk, Belgium

Founded in 2007
English
Odigo is a group of independent law firms with offices in Ghent, Hasselt, Kortrijk and Brussels. Odigo's lawyers are authorised to practice the profession of lawyer in Belgium and operate under the title of lawyer, and the firm provides a full range of services to Belgian and foreign companies,...
Thompson Veerle Advocaat
Heers, Belgium

Founded in 2000
English
Thompson Veerle Advocaat, located in Heers, Belgium, offers comprehensive legal services across multiple domains. The firm specializes in areas such as family and inheritance law, youth law, commercial and contract law, property law, criminal law, insurance and liability law, and social law. This...
Espace Juridique Avocats
Mouscron, Belgium

9 people in their team
English
Espace Juridique Avocats is a Belgian law firm serving clients from its Mouscron base with cross-border reach to the Lille region. The practice focuses on corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, and real estate, enabling the firm to handle complex transactions, restructurings and...
Chrissy Weijs Advocaat
Gingelom, Belgium

English
Chrissy Weijs Advocaat, based in Gingelom, Belgium, offers comprehensive legal services with a focus on personal and family law, property and real estate law, family wealth law, and contract law. Since 2014, the firm has been providing expert advice and representation in matters such as divorce,...
Notaire Fabienne Jeandrain
Flemalle, Belgium

6 people in their team
English
Notaire Fabienne Jeandrain, Notaire, operates from Flémalle and serves clients across the Liège region with a focus on precision, discretion and tailored guidance. The office emphasizes ongoing professional development, availability and strict respect for client confidentiality, guided by the...
Herentals, Belgium

Founded in 1978
10 people in their team
English
Benijts / Paul is a long-standing Belgian law firm based in Herentals, specializing in family law and related matters. Led by Paul Benijts, the team brings deep experience in divorce, matrimonial property settlements, and youth law, with a track record of practical, results-oriented advice. The...
Dewit Law Office
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1945
50 people in their team
French
Dutch
German
English
Since it was founded in 1945, Dewit Law Office has remained a human-sized firm and has always been careful to personalise all contact with its customers.Its strength lies in the diversity of its members. Dewit Law Office consists of lawyers working full-time internally, dealing with many cases in...
Lessines, Belgium

7 people in their team
English
De Racker Valérie is a notary practice based in Lessines (Ollignies), Belgium, led by Notary Valérie De Racker. The office delivers notarial services for individuals and businesses, with a team that includes notaries and collaborators holding masters in notariat and law. The study publishes and...
Van Kelecom advocaten
Beringen, Belgium

Founded in 2008
5 people in their team
English
Van Kelecom advocaten is a Belgian law firm based in Beringen, Limburg, specializing in criminal law, traffic law, family law, business law and real estate matters. The firm combines extensive courtroom experience with a client focused approach, delivering clear guidance and practical strategies to...
Stibbe
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1911
1,000 people in their team
French
Dutch
German
English
We are a leading, independent, international law firm with main offices in Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg, and a branch office in London. We provide our clients with the highest quality service in legal advice, transactions, and litigation.Our dedicated multidisciplinary teams are trusted legal...
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About Real Estate Law in Belgium

Real estate law in Belgium is a complex field that governs the ownership, use, and transfer of property. It includes a diverse range of issues such as property transactions, leasing, zoning, financing, and disputes. The Belgian real estate market is known for its stability and diversity, with various property types such as residential, commercial, and agricultural land. Due to the country's federal structure, both regional and federal laws apply, making it essential for individuals to understand the multifaceted legal landscape when dealing with real estate matters.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are multiple scenarios where seeking legal advice in real estate can be beneficial:

  • Property Transactions: Buying or selling property involves numerous legal documents and obligations, making it crucial to have a lawyer review contracts and ensure compliance with local laws.
  • Lease Agreements: Whether you are a landlord or tenant, a lawyer can help clarify lease terms and resolve any disputes that may arise.
  • Dispute Resolution: Conflicts over property boundaries, ownership rights, or construction can require legal intervention to achieve a resolution.
  • Zoning and Planning: Understanding and complying with regional zoning laws is essential for developing or modifying property, which often necessitates legal guidance.
  • Inheritance & Succession: Inheriting property can involve complex legal and tax issues where an expert’s advice is invaluable.

Local Laws Overview

Belgium's real estate laws cover various areas that are crucial for property dealings:

  • Property Registry: The 'cadastre' and land registry systems help track property ownership and value, vital for any property transactions.
  • Transfer Tax: A registration fee (droit d’enregistrement or registratierechten) applies when property changes ownership, varying by region: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels have different rates.
  • Building Regulations: These include zoning laws, environmental regulations, and planning permissions which must be adhered to when constructing or modifying properties.
  • Tenant Protection Laws: Belgian law provides substantial protection for tenants, setting precise rules for lease duration, rent adjustment, and eviction processes.
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): An EPC is required when selling or renting out a property, reflecting the energy efficiency of a building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a notary in Belgian real estate transactions?

Notaries are vital in Belgian property dealings; they authenticate agreements, ensure legal compliance, and facilitate the registration of property ownership changes.

How is property tax calculated in Belgium?

Property tax is based on the cadastral income of the property, which reflects its rental value. Rates vary depending on the property's location and use.

What are common contingencies in purchase agreements?

Common contingencies include obtaining financing, satisfactory property inspection results, and meeting specific deadlines for closing the transaction.

Can foreigners buy property in Belgium?

Yes, foreigners can purchase property in Belgium without restrictions, but they must comply with legal requirements related to property purchase and ownership.

What should I know about lease terms in Belgium?

Lease terms typically span 3, 6, or 9 years. Laws regulate early termination, rent increase, and the property’s condition at lease end.

Is it necessary to have a survey done before purchasing a property?

While not mandatory, a survey can help identify potential issues with the property, such as boundary disputes or structural problems.

How can I resolve a boundary dispute with a neighbor?

Boundary disputes can often be resolved amicably, but if not, mediation or legal action, supported by a lawyer, may be necessary.

What types of zoning laws affect property use in Belgium?

Zoning laws dictate land use types such as residential, commercial, or agricultural and may include restrictions on building style or size.

How do mortgages work in Belgium for purchasing real estate?

Belgian banks offer different mortgage products, usually requiring a down payment of at least 10%-20% of the property’s value.

What legal recourse do I have for defects discovered post-purchase?

The seller can be held liable for latent defects if the buyer proves they were aware of the defect and did not disclose it.

Additional Resources

For further assistance with real estate matters, consider contacting these Belgian resources:

  • Royal Federation of Belgian Notaries: Provides information on the legal requirements for real estate transactions.
  • Federal Public Service Finance: Offers guidance on taxation related to property ownership and transactions.
  • Belgian Institute of Real Estate Agents (BIV/IPI): Ensures the professionalism of real estate agents in Belgium.
  • Regional Government Websites: These sites offer information on regional laws regarding property and construction.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in real estate, consider the following steps:

  1. Consult a Notary: For any real estate transaction, begin by consulting a notary who can provide preliminary guidance.
  2. Engage a Real Estate Lawyer: If legal issues or complex transactions arise, engage a lawyer specializing in real estate law to safeguard your interests and navigate Belgian regulations.
  3. Research and Prepare: Gather all pertinent documents related to the property and understand your objectives and concerns before meeting with legal professionals.
  4. Verify Credentials: Ensure your lawyer is accredited and has a solid track record in real estate cases by checking with professional legal bodies.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Belgium through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Real Estate, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.

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