Search Q&A
Tax exemption for buying new flat - 5 years rule
In September 2009 we bought a flat in Belgium, we got a tax exemption under a condition we would live there during 5 years. Now we have to move out of Belgium for a couple of years.
-What should we do if we want to rent the appartment? I suppose we need to pay the tax we got exempt from? Or its double?
-If the tax is too high, we might just leave it empty - are we still entitled to the exemption (we will not LIVE in the flat and that was the condition from what I understood)?
We live in Flanders without any knowledge of Flemish - where could we get more information on that subject (in English, French or German)?
There's a Real Estate seminar tonight 6pm at ING head office on Avenue Marnix with a notary and a real estate specialist. I suppose you can just walk in.
Ask your notary from 2009 he will advise about your contract and the current situation.
Ask your notary.
http://www.notaire.be/acheter-louer-emprunter/1.-droits-denregistrement/...
and
http://www.notaire.be/acheter-louer-emprunter/1.-droits-denregistrement/...
As far as I know, that 5 year rule is for Brussels, and not for Flanders. I had to keep my official address in Brussels for the full 5 years (didn't have to be at the house I purchased and then sold, could be anywhere in Brussels)
Having seen the response by ClaireDD I decided to add my comment.
When I read the question, I was surprised as we bought a house in Flanders and got the reduction as first-time buyers but there was no question of having to live here for any specific length of time.
In any case the place to go for up-to-date info is the notaris who acted for you when you bought the place; you are not going to have to pay for the answer to a fairly basic enquiry.
