What documents do I need to sell my property?

As part of the sale of your property, you need to provide several documents and make sure that your property is in order on all levels to avoid an unpleasant surprise later in the sales process. Here's an exhaustive list of the most important items:

1. Title deeds

This is the seller's notarized deed of purchase. It's the property's identity card, so to speak: description, origin of ownership, existence of any easements or special conditions. In the case of a property acquired by inheritance, the seller must present documents proving that he is the heir, as well as any deed of purchase from the deceased.

2. Planning information

When advertising a property for sale, you must indicate its most recent use (office, retail, single-family home, investment property), as well as any planning permits or certificates issued for it. This information can be obtained from the town planning department of the municipality in which the property is located.

3. Condominium-specific documents

1. Before signing the compromise

• The amount of working capital
• The amount of any arrears owed by the seller. 
• The status of calls on the reserve fund approved by the AGM prior to the transfer of ownership.
• A list of any legal proceedings in progress.
• The minutes of the ordinary and extraordinary AGMs for the last three years, as well as the periodic statements of expenses for the last two years.
• The latest balance sheet approved by the AGM.

‍

2. No later than the signing of the deed

Before signing the deed of sale, the new owner must be aware of the decisions and costs decided by the general meeting of co-owners, which he or she will be required to pay.

• Conservation, maintenance, repair and refurbishment costs.
• Calls for funds and the cost of urgent work that has been decided.
• Expenses relating to common areas.
• Co-ownership debts arising from disputes.

4. The EPB certificate

The building energy performance certificate (PEB), which assesses a building's energy performance under standard conditions of use and contains recommendations for improvement, is mandatory in all three regions.

5. The "oil tank" certificate

There is no explicit obligation to mention the type of heating system in the property for sale. However, it is considered part of the information the seller is expected to provide. In the case of an oil-fired heater, the tank capacity, location and year of installation should be indicated.

6. Soil pollution

Another essential document for selling a property is a certificate proving that the soil on the land or house is not polluted. Each region has its own rules on this matter.

→ In the Brussels region, the IBGE is responsible for issuing the soil certificates required for any transfer (sale, usufruct, right of use) of land or buildings.

→ In the Walloon Region, the certificate is a certified extract from the Banque de Données de l'Etat des Sols (BDES). The data can be accessed on the site.

→ In Flanders, OVAM is responsible.

7. Electrical installation inspection report

For the sale of a dwelling, the seller must have an inspection report on the electrical installation. This document must be supplied by an approved body (see list on the FPS Economy website). The cost of this certificate is between 125 and 170 euros.

_{8. Subsequent intervention file (DIU)}

Since 2001, any major work carried out on a building (affecting the structure or essential elements of the building, or likely to create a dangerous situation) must be included in this file. Description of work, plans, materials used, installation sketches, exact location of pipes (water, gas, telephone, sewage, electricity), maintenance advice, technical data sheets, proof of warranty, before/after photos, etc. are all included. The aim is to ensure health and safety during future renovations.

9. Asbestos certificate

As of November 23, 2022, any seller of a home built in Flanders before 2001 will have to include an asbestos inventory certificate in his or her file.