Moving Checklist in Belgium 2026
PHASE 1: 12 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
House hunting & planning:
- ☐ Set your budget (How much can you afford?)
- ☐ Research neighbourhoods (Schools? Transport? Neighbours?)
- ☐ Search for properties (Online, estate agent, word of mouth!)
- ☐ View at least 5-10 properties (COMPARE!)
Financing preparation:
- ☐ Request a mortgage pre-approval (Find out how much you can borrow!)
- ☐ Compare banks (Rates in 2026: 3.2-3.5%)
- ☐ Finalise your budget (Fixed amount!)
PHASE 2: 8 WEEKS BEFORE
House hunting - serious stage:
- ☐ Property or properties found! (Multiple options?)
- ☐ Request a valuation (€500-€1,500)
- ☐ Property inspection (Joints, roof, electrics!)
- ☐ Request the energy performance certificate (€100-€200)
Preparing to sell your current home:
- ☐ Contact estate agents (Compare 3-4 offers!)
- ☐ Agent selected! (Best value for money!)
- ☐ Energy performance certificate for current home (Compulsory!)
- ☐ Prepare the notarial file
PHASE 3: 4 WEEKS BEFORE
Purchase preparation:
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Compare agents →- ☐ Contact the notary (Deed preparation!)
- ☐ Submit the formal mortgage application (Full application!)
- ☐ Negotiate the price (LAST CHANCE!)
- ☐ Deed preparation (The notary handles it!)
Finalising the sale of your current home:
- ☐ Photos taken by the agent (Online listing!)
- ☐ Property listed online! (Immoweb, Vlan, etc.!)
- ☐ First viewings! (Quick!)
PHASE 4: 2 WEEKS BEFORE
Signing contracts:
- ☐ Sign the purchase deed (Notary!)
- ☐ Sign the mortgage contract (Bank!)
- ☐ Book a removal company! (URGENT!)
- ☐ Arrange energy contracts for the new home
Administrative preparation:
- ☐ Draw up a list of address changes (Municipality, bank, employer, etc.!)
- ☐ Copies of address-change documents (Digital storage!)
- ☐ Sort out internet and phone (Schedule installation!)
PHASE 5: MOVING WEEK
Packing & moving:
- ☐ Pack all your belongings! (Start a week early!)
- ☐ Confirm the removal company? (Confirm the day before!)
- ☐ Pack the last items
- ☐ Disconnect utilities (Old address!)
- ☐ Hand over the keys (Notary!)
Moving day:
- ☐ Removal company present (Supervise!)
- ☐ Connect utilities (New address!)
- ☐ Read the meters (Electricity, water, gas!)
- ☐ Internet and phone installation!
PHASE 6: AFTER THE MOVE (Week 1)
Essential address changes:
- ☐ Update address at the municipality (PRIORITY!)
- ☐ Update address at the bank (PRIORITY!)
- ☐ Update address with insurers
- ☐ Notify your employer
- ☐ Update address at schools
Other address changes:
- ☐ Municipal services
- ☐ Tax authority
- ☐ Social security
- ☐ Memberships (Gym, clubs, etc.!)
- ☐ Notify friends & family!
PHASE 7: AFTER 1 MONTH
Check everything:
- ☐ All mail arriving at the new address? (Check!)
- ☐ Bills correct? (Check!)
- ☐ Utilities working? (All OK?)
- ☐ Internet speed OK? (Test!)
- ☐ Everything unpacked! (All settled in!)
MOVING BUDGET TABLE 2026
| Item | Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Estate agent (Sale 3%) | €9,000 | On a €300k property |
| Notary (Purchase) | €3,000 | Plus registration duties! |
| Registration duties | €6,000-€36,000 | Depending on applicable rate (2% or 12%+)! |
| Removal company | €3,000 | Full move |
| Energy performance certificate | €200 | Both properties |
| Internet/Phone | €50 | Installation |
| Miscellaneous | €500 | Unexpected costs! |
| TOTAL | €21,750-€51,750 | BIG DIFFERENCE depending on the registration duty rate! |
GOLDEN RULES FOR MOVING IN 2026
RULE 1: PLANNING PREVENTS STRESS!
- Start 3 months in advance!
- Follow your checklists!
- NO last-minute panic!
RULE 2: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE REDUCED REGISTRATION DUTY RATE!
- Check the CONDITIONS! (Domicile for 1 year!)
- Could save you €30,000 or more!
- ASK YOUR NOTARY!
RULE 3: INTEREST RATES ARE FAVOURABLE IN 2026!
- 3.2-3.5% (Low!)
- Lock in QUICKLY!
- Don't WAIT!
RULE 4: ADDRESS CHANGES - BE SYSTEMATIC!
- Make a LIST!
- Tick off as you go!
- Don't FORGET anything!
RULE 5: HAVE A BACKUP PLAN!
- Emergency fund for unexpected costs!
- +15% on your budget!
- Always necessary!
Next Step
Want to move without the stress?
- Follow this checklist! (Start 12 weeks early!)
- Plan step by step!
- Consult your notary HONESTLY! (Check the reduced rate!)
- Handle address changes systematically!
- DONE! (Settle into your new home!)
Good luck with your move! 🏠🚚✨
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start planning my move in Belgium?
You should start planning at least 12 weeks (3 months) before your move. The checklist is divided into phases starting from 12 weeks out, covering everything from house hunting to signing contracts.
What are the mortgage interest rates in Belgium in 2026?
Mortgage rates in 2026 are between 3.2% and 3.5%, which is considered low. The advice is to lock in a rate quickly rather than waiting.
How much should I budget for a move in Belgium in 2026?
The total moving budget ranges from approximately 21,750 to 51,750 euros, depending mainly on the registration duty rate that applies to your purchase. It is also recommended to keep an extra 15% buffer for unexpected costs.
What is the difference between the registration duty rates and can I benefit from a reduced rate?
Registration duties can range from 6,000 to 36,000 euros depending on whether you qualify for the reduced rate (2%) or the standard rate (12% or higher). To benefit from the reduced rate, you need to meet conditions including domiciling at the property for 1 year - your notary can confirm whether you qualify.
When should I book a removal company?
You should book a removal company at least 2 weeks before your move, as this is listed as urgent in the checklist. You should also confirm the booking the day before moving day.
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