Buying a building site is an important step. What should you pay attention to? How does the process work? Read everything here about buying building land in Flanders.
Buying building land: 6 steps
Step 1: Determine your budget
- Calculate how much you can spend on building land and any additional costs. Consider equity, loans and other financing options.
- Provide a financial cushion for unforeseen costs such as additional earthworks, utility connection fees or permit application fees.
For personalized advice, contact a financial advisor. Discuss your financial situation and options and get a realistic estimate of your budget.
Step 2: Search for building sites
- Use real estate websites and online platforms to find available building lots.
- Contact local brokers who specialize in building land. They can inform you of new offers and help you negotiate.
Looking for a building lot? Then pay attention to these factors:
- Location: Is it near schools, work, public transportation and shopping?
- Accessibility: Is the construction site easily accessible to construction vehicles?
- Subdivision permit: Required if the building lot is part of a subdivision.
- Sewerage and utilities: Inquire about connections for water, electricity and gas.
- Environmental factors: What about noise pollution, flood susceptibility and the (sun) orientation of the plot?
- Town Planning Information: What are you allowed to build on the lot? What are the building codes and restrictions?
- Soil mat test: Ask about this or have a soil test done yourself. A soil mat test costs 64 euros per entire cadastral parcel.
Step 3: Visit the construction site on site
Want to buy a building site? Then visit the building lot in person. This will give you a good idea of the location, size and surroundings:
- Take a walk around the neighborhood to soak up the atmosphere.
- Look at the nature around your plot. Is there a lot of greenery?
- Talk to local residents to learn more about safety, sense of community and possible nuisances.
- Inquire about planned infrastructure or construction projects in the neighborhood. These potentially affect the value or livability of the plot.
Step 4: Compare and select
- Make a list of potential building sites and compare them based on all major factors (such as price, location, size and building codes).
- Weigh the pros and cons of each plot. Consider factors such as distance to work, schools, public transportation and shopping, as well as personal preferences such as views and sunlight.
Buying a building lot is not easy. Contact advisors to make your choice easier:
- Contact a notary: Seek legal advice on the purchase agreement, property rights and any obligations.
- Contact an architect: Check if your building plans are feasible on the selected lot. An architect can also advise you on the layout and orientation of the house.
Step 5: Negotiate and decide
- Negotiate the price with the seller.
- Enter into a preliminary sales contract:
- Include the price, payment terms, description of the plot and resolutive conditions (such as loan approval or obtaining a building permit).
- Both parties must sign it. You do this at the real estate agent, notary or at another agreed location.
- Usually you pay a deposit (about 10% of the purchase price) at the time of signing. This amount is later deducted from the purchase price or refunded if the sale does not go through because of a resolutive condition.
Step 6: Contact the notary public
Convert the preliminary sales contract into a final notarized deed.
- Contact the notary public.
- Have the sale officially recorded.
- Pay the purchase price and additional costs.
- The notary registers the purchase deed with the land registry.
How long does the process take?
The length of buying building land varies, but takes several months on average. This includes: searching for a plot, negotiations, concluding a preliminary sales contract, drafting and signing the notarial deed and registration with the land registry.
Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:
Stiasteny, L. (2024, May 31). Buying building land, what is the progression? (6 steps). Apartment.com. Consulted on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/bouwgrond-kopen-wat-is-het-verloop