The key stages of buying a new home with TREVI

Buying a new home means following a clear path, with well-defined steps at each stage. Every phase requires attention and care, particularly in a Belgian market that is always changing. TREVI helps you navigate this process with clarity and simplicity.

Understanding the essential steps of your property purchase

Buying a new property involves several key stages, each playing a specific role: whether it’s securing your investment, arranging financing or ensuring administrative compliance. This guide helps you navigate these steps in the right order and avoid overlooking anything important.

Securing your new apartment

The first step is to secure the property you’re interested in. This is typically done in writing, with a deposit that varies depending on the developer. In Belgium, it allows you to hold the property before signing the preliminary agreement.

Submission of mandatory legal documents

The developer is required to provide all the documents related to the sale and share them with your notary. This typically includes the planning permit, draft agreement, detailed plans and technical specifications. These documents help ensure the project is clear and compliant.

Signing the preliminary sales agreement: what you need to know

The preliminary agreement confirms your commitment. A 5% deposit is paid and deducted from the final price. Any amount already paid when reserving the property is also included at this stage. The agreement outlines all the terms of the sale, including deadlines and conditions.

Waiver of the financing condition

The preliminary agreement includes a suspensive condition relating to the approval of your mortgage. Once this condition has been met, and depending on the project timeline, you can begin coordinating with suppliers to organise any works or customisations for your future home.

Signing the notarial deed

Around four months after the suspensive conditions have been fulfilled, the final deed is signed. You will receive a detailed financial statement covering 100% of the land value and the associated registration duties, with any applicable tax reductions. It also includes the completed stages of construction at the time of signing, along with the corresponding VAT, in accordance with the preliminary agreement, as well as notary fees and deed-related costs. The 5% deposit already paid at the time of the preliminary agreement is deducted from the total.

Payment after signing the deed

As the project moves forward, you will receive invoices from the developer for each completed stage, along with certification from the architect. This continues up to the provisional handover of the property. Each payment reflects the progress of the work.

Final delivery and completion of the works

The final stage involves settling the last construction instalment, paying connection fees (except in specific cases), and completing the provisional acceptance of your apartment. You are then handed the keys and take possession of the property.

Your purchase is protected at several levels through mandatory legal guarantees. The Breyne Law governs the entire transaction, the completion guarantee ensures the project is delivered, the one-year warranty covers hidden defects between provisional and final acceptance, and the ten-year warranty protects against major structural issues. Compensation may also apply in the event of construction delays. These safeguards are mandatory and clearly define the relationship with the developer.

Buying off-plan: understanding the Breyne Law and its guarantees

In Belgium, the Breyne Law provides strong protection for buyers in off-plan purchases. Developers must provide a written agreement with clear information on pricing, deadlines and guarantees. Payments are also structured in stages, depending on the progress of the works.

Among the main safeguards is the completion guarantee, ensuring the project is completed even in the event of issues with the developer. A ten-year warranty covers serious structural defects, and a one-year warranty protects against hidden defects between provisional and final handover. Compensation may also apply if delivery is delayed.

FAQ

How does buying a new property in Belgium work ?

Buying a new property in Belgium follows several key steps: signing the preliminary agreement, benefiting from the protections of the Breyne Law, waiting around three months before the final deed, and receiving the keys. Each phase involves administrative, legal and financial procedures to ensure the purchase is fully secure.
Why is there a three-month gap between the preliminary agreement and the final deed when buying a new property ?

The approximate three-month gap between signing the preliminary agreement and the final deed is designed to protect the buyer under the Breyne Law. It provides time to review administrative documents, arrange financing, and make sure all guarantees are in place before completing the purchase.
What steps are involved in buying a new apartment ?

Buying a new apartment in Belgium follows a structured process: selecting the property and reviewing the planning permit, signing a Breyne compliant agreement, observing the withdrawal period, arranging financing, and finally completing the transaction before a notary. TREVI supports buyers at every stage to ensure a secure purchase.

Buying off-plan: the Breyne law

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The Breyne law