Step 1 — Estate declaration
The estate declaration must be filed within 4 months (death in Belgium) or 5 to 6 months (abroad) with the relevant Flemish, Brussels or Walloon tax authority. Only after this declaration does the property become officially divisible.
A notary isn't always legally required, but with real estate in an estate it's almost unavoidable: they draw up the certificates of inheritance.
Step 2 — Agreement between heirs
A sale is only possible once all heirs agree in writing. In the event of disagreement, the court can appoint a liquidating notary, which extends the process by 6 to 18 months.
At Pandpartners.be we often work with co-heirs who want closure quickly: one offer, one visit, all heirs sign together at the notary.
Step 3 — Offer, preliminary contract and deed
From accepted offer to signed notarial deed, count 4 to 8 weeks — the time needed for soil certificate, EPC, urban planning information and mortgage search.
Full payment happens on the day of the deed, into the notary's client account.