Advice and news

Answers to the questions we hear every day about buying, selling, renting and letting in Belgium, and the latest news from our office.

Buying and selling5 July 2025

Smart bidding: what is the best strategy?

Bid at, below or above the asking price? Find out which bidding strategy suits you and how suspensive conditions protect you as a buyer.

Renting and letting10 April 2025

What costs are involved in renting a property?

Rent, deposit, utilities, fire insurance and service charges: an overview of what renting really costs, so you can move in without financial surprises.

Buying and selling12 March 2025

Asbestos-free vs asbestos-safe: what is the difference?

An asbestos-free property is not the same as an asbestos-safe one. We explain the difference and what it means for the asbestos certificate when buying or selling.

Buying and selling12 March 2025

What are registration duties?

Registration duties are payable when you buy an existing home or land. What is the standard rate in Flanders, and when does the reduced 2% rate apply?

Buying and selling17 February 2025

What is a specification (lastenboek) and why do you need one?

A specification sets out exactly how a building project will be carried out: materials, methods and finishes. Here is why it protects you as a buyer or client.

Buying and selling26 November 2024

Selling your property after a separation: what do you need to know?

Selling a home after a separation calls for agreement, an objective valuation and sound legal arrangements. Here is how to approach it step by step.

Buying and selling8 November 2024

Is a nearly zero-energy (BEN) home a good buy?

A nearly zero-energy home uses very little energy and draws the rest from renewable sources. What does the E-level mean, and why is it a smart choice?

Buying and selling28 October 2024

Your property’s identity card: the post-intervention file

The post-intervention file (PID) bundles the plans, inspections and invoices for building work. When is it compulsory, and what if it is missing at the sale?

News24 September 2024

Registration duties down from 3% to 2%?

The Flemish government is reportedly lowering registration duties on a first home from 3% to 2%. What do we know so far, and which questions remain open?

News21 May 2024

Asbestos certificate: when do you need one?

Since November 2022, an asbestos certificate is compulsory when selling a pre-2001 building in Flanders. By 2032, every such building must have one.

Buying and selling2 May 2024

What is the renovation obligation when you buy a property?

Buy a house or flat with an EPC label of E or F and you must renovate to at least label D within 5 years. Here are the rules and the stricter targets ahead.

News19 July 2023

New office in Tienen!

Immo Jan Stas has opened a new office in Tienen.

Buying and selling5 July 2023

Why do I always seem to be just too late in my property search?

Always missing out in your search for a home? Three tips to hear about new properties sooner and improve your chances of buying.

Renting and letting5 July 2023

What compensation does a tenant owe when ending a 9-year lease early?

If you end a 9-year lease during the first three years, you owe the landlord one to three months’ rent in compensation. Here is exactly how it works.

Blog19 June 2023

Meet the team

Between phone calls, emails and viewings, our whole team got together for a photo shoot. Meet the faces behind Immo Jan Stas.

News15 June 2023

Longer terms for mortgage loans

With interest rates up, the National Bank of Belgium recommends allowing longer mortgage terms. Goodbye 20 years, hello 25 or even 30?

Buying and selling5 June 2023

How do I make a valid offer?

Always make your offer in writing. These are the details your offer must include to avoid painful misunderstandings.

Blog13 April 2023

Property photography

Professional photos, drone footage, videos and 2D/3D floor plans: this is how we show your property at its best to prospective buyers and tenants.

Renting and letting16 March 2023

Co-housing in Leuven: is it allowed?

Co-housing (shared living) is allowed in Belgium and in Leuven, but there are conditions for the residents, the tenancy agreement and the property.

Blog

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

The whole team at Immo Jan Stas wishes you happy holidays and a happy New Year!

Buying and selling

Buying a let property: the key to success?

A let property earns rental income from day one, but check the lease, your financing, the extra costs and your plans for the future first.

Buying and selling

How can I tell whether my home is at risk of flooding?

Since 2023, every property has a P-score for the plot and a G-score for the building. Here is how to read these flood scores and look them up yourself.

Buying and selling

Are solar panels a good investment and do they add value when selling my home?

Solar panels cut your energy bill and your carbon footprint, and since the energy crisis they have become a strong selling point for your home.

Buying and selling

Buying subject to obtaining a mortgage (suspensive condition)

A suspensive condition for a mortgage lets you cancel the purchase if your loan is refused. What should it include, and when are you better off without it?

Renting and letting

Do I have to pay a rental deposit, and how much is it?

A rental deposit is customary but not compulsory, and is capped at three months’ rent. Here is how you can provide it and how you get it back.

Properties

Services

Immo Jan Stas

Advice and news

Smart bidding: what is the best strategy?

What costs are involved in renting a property?

Asbestos-free vs asbestos-safe: what is the difference?

What are registration duties?

What is a specification (lastenboek) and why do you need one?

Selling your property after a separation: what do you need to know?

Is a nearly zero-energy (BEN) home a good buy?

Your property’s identity card: the post-intervention file

Registration duties down from 3% to 2%?

Asbestos certificate: when do you need one?

What is the renovation obligation when you buy a property?

New office in Tienen!

Why do I always seem to be just too late in my property search?

What compensation does a tenant owe when ending a 9-year lease early?

Meet the team

Longer terms for mortgage loans

How do I make a valid offer?

Property photography

Co-housing in Leuven: is it allowed?

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Buying a let property: the key to success?

How can I tell whether my home is at risk of flooding?

Are solar panels a good investment and do they add value when selling my home?

Buying subject to obtaining a mortgage (suspensive condition)

Do I have to pay a rental deposit, and how much is it?