FURTHER EXPLANATION · 2 MIN READ
The purchase does not end at the border
This background is based on the explanation from Notaris.be dated 22 July 2026. These are not new foreign purchase rules. Those who, as Belgian residents, buy property elsewhere must consider both the local rules and the Belgian consequences. Moreover, the role of a local notaire or other adviser is not always the same as in Belgium.
Therefore, before making an offer or agreement, establish who examines the property, permits, contract terms and local charges. A seller, intermediary and independent adviser do not necessarily have the same mandate. Request an overview of additional costs and have unclear documents explained in a language you understand sufficiently. An attractive asking price does not answer those questions.
Count on confirmed financing and declarations
Discuss the financing with the bank in good time. Do not assume that a Belgian lender will accept the foreign property as security. A charge on your Belgian home also affects your assets here. Therefore, compare the repayment, term, guarantees and conditions against your household budget, without simply treating future rental income as fixed income.
The FPS Finance states that a Belgian resident must declare foreign real estate income in their personal income tax. A double taxation treaty may, under conditions, allow an exemption with progression clause: the income may still influence the rate applied to other income. The foreign property must also be reported to determine the cadastral income. Have your accountant prepare the declaration based on your specific situation.
A second home is also a family choice
Suppose two partners buy a holiday home, but one partner contributes almost all the own funds. Discuss not only the names in the deed of purchase but also what they mean in case of sale, a breakup or death. The desired agreements must fit within the applicable legal rules and the local deed. What seems self-evident at home does not necessarily appear so on paper.
Foreign real estate can also be important in a Belgian inheritance. The levying and possible crediting of foreign inheritance tax require a separate review; the rules for the annual personal income tax may not simply be adopted. A move abroad can have additional consequences. Therefore bring along existing matrimonial agreements, wills and information about your family.
A conversation before the signature
Notariaat Wellens helps map out the Belgian consequences for your relationship, property and inheritance. We do not adopt unconfirmed foreign rules and do not replace the local legal verification. Do you want to prepare a purchase? Provide us with the draft, the location, your financing plan and your wishes, so that the necessary questions can be directed to the right experts.