Changes to the conditions of application of the property tax allowance in the Brussels region
As from 1 April 2023, purchasing a first home in the Brussels Region will become more tax efficient. The tax-exempt part of the transfer fee has been raised and first-time buyers who undertake to make their new home more energy efficient will also benefit from an additional allowance.
There has been a number of changes to the main allowance. The cap on the maximum tax base was raised to €600,000, from €500,000 previously. The allowance, i.e. the portion that is exempt from transfer fees, will be increased from €175,000 to €200,000, i.e. an additional saving of €3,125, bringing the tax benefit to €25,000. The deadline for buyers to establish the purchased property as their primary residence will be extended from 2 to 3 years. This period may even be extended to 5 years if the buyer undertakes to improve the energy performance of the purchased building. However, the obligation to keep their primary residence in the building for which the allowance was obtained for an uninterrupted period of 5 years remains unchanged, while the penalty for non-compliance with the deadline has been amended. Reimbursement of the allowance will be due on a pro rata basis, depending on the part of the deadline (per year) which has not been met. This rule is retroactive and also applies to people who benefited from the allowance before 1 April 2023.
An additional, immediate allowance has also been introduced. It will apply when buyers undertake to improve the energy performance of the purchased building. Well aware of climate challenges and targets, and the dilapidated state of the building stock in Brussels, the regional legislator has decided to adapt the existing system so as to encourage citizens to work towards this goal in the general interest. The amount of the additional allowance is €25,000 for each improvement in energy rating achieved, with a minimum of two stars. However, this additional allowance is subordinate to the main allowance, the conditions of which must therefore be met. Anyone requesting the additional allowance who does not complete the necessary works within the deadlines will be fined. It is therefore highly recommended to seek the advice of a professional before committing to improving the energy performance of a building.
The changes made came into force on 1 April 2023. They therefore apply to purchase agreements (“compromis”) entered into as from 1 April 2023, and agreements subject to conditions precedent entered into before 1 April 2023 for which the condition precedent is fulfilled after 31 March 2023.
Belgian notarial profession: Reform of fees
Since 1 January 2024, the Belgian notarial profession has undergone a major reform affecting several aspects across the sector.
The most notable element is a reform of the scale of fees and miscellaneous costs. First-time buyers can now benefit from a more advantageous scale of fees. In order to mitigate the impact of this reform, a system of solidarity among notaries has been set up through the Belgian Notarial Fund. A part of the fees relating to the most profitable property deeds are used to finance this fund, which compensates notaries executing deeds to which the preferential rates apply.
Fixed costs (miscellaneous costs) have also been set at a flat rate and are indexed on an annual basis.
The cost of company incorporations has also been reduced.
Another aspect of the reform is to make the profession more accessible, by increasing the number of candidate-notaries appointed each year. Previously, a maximum of 90 new candidate-notaries were appointed in Belgium every year. As from 2023, there will be a minimum of 120 new entrants. This will make the notarial profession more accessible. The content of the competition (in use for the past 20 years) has also been adapted.
Finally, the last aspect of the reform concerns the establishment of an independent nationwide disciplinary council in cooperation with the bailiffs and headed by a magistrate.
Written by: John de Bergeyck, Actalys (Brussels)
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