Question 1

What are notary fees when buying property in Belgium?

Accepted Answer

In Belgium, notary fees are regulated by royal decree and are the same at every notary office. They are calculated using degressive brackets based on the purchase price: 4.56% on the first bracket up to 7,500 euros, with the percentage decreasing progressively. On top of that, you pay 21% VAT on the notary fees, administrative costs (approximately 1,100 euros), and the registration duties.

Question 2

How do I calculate registration duties in Belgium?

Accepted Answer

Registration duties apply to the purchase price of existing properties and vary by region. In Flanders, the rate is 2% for your primary and only residence (since January 2025) and 12% for other properties. In Wallonia, the reduced rate is 3% for your primary and only residence (since January 2025) and 12.5% for other properties. In Brussels, the rate is 12.5% with a possible abatement. For new builds, 21% VAT applies instead of registration duties.

Question 3

What are the differences in purchase costs between Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels?

Accepted Answer

The differences are significant. Flanders offers the lowest rate at 2% registration duty for a primary and only residence. Wallonia applies 3% as a reduced rate and 12.5% as the standard rate. Brussels charges 12.5% but offers an abatement on the first 200,000 euros of the price (if the total price does not exceed 600,000 euros), which can save buyers up to 25,000 euros.

Question 4

Am I eligible for the tax abatement as a first-time buyer?

Accepted Answer

Each region has its own conditions. In Flanders, the reduced 2% rate applies if the property becomes your primary residence within 3 years and you do not own any other property in full ownership. In Wallonia, similar conditions apply for the 3% rate. In Brussels, the 200,000 euro abatement applies if the price does not exceed 600,000 euros, the property becomes your primary residence, and you do not own another property in the Brussels Region.

Question 5

How much do mortgage costs amount to in Belgium?

Accepted Answer

Mortgage costs include the mortgage registration fee (1% of the borrowed amount), the mortgage duty (0.3%), notary fees for the mortgage deed (calculated using the same degressive scale), VAT on those fees, administrative costs, and a bank arrangement fee (typically 300 to 500 euros). In total, expect approximately 2 to 3% of the borrowed amount.

Frequently asked questions about property purchase costs

Frequently asked questions about property purchase costs