Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. If you’re new to Belgium, the process might seem complex — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, you can go from searching to receiving the keys in just a few simple steps.
Below we explain how buying a house in Belgium works, what to expect, and how to prepare.
1. Check how much you can borrow
Before you start looking for houses, it’s smart to know your budget. Belgian banks usually finance around 80–90 percent of the property value. The rest — your own contribution — comes from your savings.
Your maximum mortgage depends on your income, employment situation, and existing financial obligations. You can quickly get an idea using our online mortgage calculator.
2. Start your home search
Once you know your budget, you can focus on location and property type.
Belgium has big differences between regions. Prices in Flanders are often higher than in Wallonia, while Brussels is known for its international atmosphere but smaller homes.
Think about what’s important to you — space, travel distance, or city life — and choose accordingly.
3. Make an offer and sign the preliminary contract
When you find your dream home, you’ll make an offer through the real estate agent.
If the seller accepts, you sign a preliminary purchase contract (also called compromis de vente). This document defines the price and key conditions. From that moment, the notary handles the legal process.
4. Apply for your mortgage
Your mortgage advisor will compare offers from several banks and prepare the best deal. They’ll look at:
- Loan amount and interest rate
- Fixed or variable rate
- Duration of the loan
- Required insurances (property, life, income protection)
This stage usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how fast documents are provided.
5. The notary signing
The final step happens at the notary’s office. Here, the property is officially transferred to your name. You’ll sign the deed, pay all taxes and fees, and receive the keys to your new home.
Typical additional costs include:
- Registration tax (3–12 percent, depending on region)
- Notary fees
- Bank and valuation costs
6. Move in and settle down
After signing, the fun part begins — moving into your new home.
Don’t forget to register utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet) and update your local registration if needed.
A good advisor will also guide you through post-purchase formalities such as local taxes and insurance.
Ready to buy your home in Belgium?
Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful. With personal support and clear steps, you can own your place in Belgium sooner than you think.
The all-in-one home and mortgage service for expats
At Domek, we make moving to Belgium simple and stress-free.
With over 15 years of experience and a team of 100+ professionals, we help internationals find their dream home, get the best mortgage, and arrange all necessary insurances.
Our all-in-one service also takes care of everything that comes after — from setting up gas, water, and internet to handling taxes and benefits. One trusted partner, one clear process, all in your own language.
We combine local expertise with personal guidance so you can save time, avoid paperwork stress, and enjoy the lowest possible rates. From your first home search to the key handover, Domek makes every step easy, transparent, and tailored to you.
