Action steps

• Decide which criteria are important for you:
  • Location and neighborhood
  • Proximity of facilities: school, public transport, shops, …
  • Type of accommodation: an apartment or a house with a garden, furnished or unfurnished
  • Period: a short or a longer period
  • Budget
  • Do you want to buy or to rent?
• The best way to find a house is to contact a real estate agency. You find a list with recognized agencies on http://www.biv.be/de-vastgoedmakelaar/alle-vastgoedmakelaars-vind-je-hier (only in Dutch or French).
• It is a common practice to rent a short-stay-accommodation first. It gives you time to explore your options, so you can make a well-informed decision for your permanent accommodation.

Renting a home

• A rental contract is signed between the lessor (usually the owner) and the tenant.
• The payment of a deposit / rental guarantee is required (generally the amount of two months’ rent).
• When you move into the accommodation, an inventory of the fixtures and fittings has to be drawn up.

Buying a home

• A provisional sales agreement is signed between the buyer and seller and a fixed deposit is paid. This step is binding.
• After a few months, the final sale takes place: the notarial act is signed and the outstanding amount is paid.  Notary fees and registration fees will also be due.

Attention points

• Once you are the owner of a house, you will have to pay an annual property tax.
• If you rent a house, the lessor is obliged to register the rental contract. The registration gives the contract a fixed date and becomes binding on third parties.

Supplier, channels and tools

• www.belgium.be/en/housing/renting_a_home
• www.belgium.be/en/housing/buying_or_selling_a_home
• www.notaris.be/verkopen-kopen-huren-lenen (partly in English)
• On www.huurschatter.be (only in Dutch) you can estimate if the rent price is a correct price.