building process — improve your chances of finding the perfect building plot

Finding a building plot in Flanders is becoming increasingly difficult, but with a broad search strategy and the necessary attention, it is certainly possible.

With this on- & offline approach, you increase your chances:

demolition and reconstruction

• explore the neighbourhood: Look for outdated houses in good locations. These houses can often be demolished and rebuilt. Explore the neighbourhoods on foot when the weather is nice, then chances are you can have a chat with someone.
  
  
• approach the owner: Be creative, leave a letter in the letterbox, if the property is no longer occupied, question the neighbours.
  
  
• ask the municipality: Check with the town planning department whether you can build a housing volume of up to 1000m³.
  
  
• reduced VAT rate: You may be eligible for 6% VAT on demolition and reconstruction.
  You can find the conditions via these links:
  • from 1 January 2024 - permanent measure | FPS Finance (belgium.be)
  • from 1 June 2024 - extension permanent measure | SPF Finances (belgium.be)
    
    

local network

• charm offensive: Let the neighbourhood know you are looking for building land. Local shopkeepers such as barbers, bakers and butchers often have valuable information. Don't underestimate the potential of the favour factor and people's goodwill.
  
  
• activate network: Speak to local estate agents, notaries and surveyors. They are often the first to know about available land.
  
  

be prepared: organise your purchasing budget

• loan: Talk to your bank and mortgage shop beforehand.

• sell: Need to sell another property? Talk to your bank, notary and/or estate agent about this for clear action plans. A Skilpod expert can also offer advice. 
  
  

immo-websites (digital)

• searches: Create searches on real estate websites such as Immoweb and Zimmo and receive notifications as soon as new land ads appear.

• take an option: If you are interested in a land, take an option under conditions precedent such as financing and planning permission.
  
  

steps for searches on real estate websites

• via PC: Set up email notifications on your favourite real estate website.

• via smartphone/tablet: Download the app and turn on notifications to receive instant updates.
  
  

Immoweb

1. create account: Register or log in to Immoweb.
   
   
2. set search:
• Choose "Buy" and "Land".
• Enter the desired city, price range and filters.
  
  
3. save search: Save the search via ‘Save search’ and activate e-mail notifications.  
   
   

Zimmo

1. create account: Register or log in to Zimmo.
   
   
2. set search:
• Choose "For Sale" and select the region.
• Enter the desired city, price range and filters.
  
  
3. save search: Save the search via ‘save’ and activate e-mail alerts.