Planning Permission in Belgium
In Belgium, it is necessary to apply for planning permission to build or renovate a property. The procedure is as follows:
- Obtain a project from an architect or engineer
- Submit the project to the urban planning department of the local municipality for approval
- Once approved, obtain a building permit from the municipality
Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, and Preservation Orders
If your property is listed or located within a conservation area or preservation order, there are additional rules and regulations to follow.
- Listed buildings require approval from the heritage administration for any alterations or renovations
- Conservation areas and preservation orders may have restrictions on the type of changes that can be made to the property’s exterior
Finding Reliable Builders in Belgium
When looking for a builder in Belgium, it’s important to find someone reliable and trustworthy. One way to do this is to look for builders who belong to a professional organization.
- Confederatie Bouw is a professional organization that represents builders and contractors in Belgium. They can be contacted at info@confederatiebouw.be or +32 2 545 57 49.
Permits and Licences
When building or renovating a property in Belgium, there are several permits and licenses you may need to obtain.
- Building permit: Required for any new construction or major renovation
- Electrical permit: Required for any electrical work
- Plumbing permit: Required for any plumbing work
Finding a Local Architect in Belgium
If you need an architect to design your project, you can find one through the Ordre des Architectes.
- Ordre des Architectes: info@ordredesarchitectes.be or +32 2 643 60 70
Buying Land in Belgium
If you’re buying land in Belgium, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of.
- Make sure you have planning permission before purchasing land
- Check the boundaries of the land to ensure they match the land registry
- Be aware of any environmental or conservation restrictions that may affect the land
- Check for any outstanding taxes or debts on the land