Move-in Ready New-Build Home for Sale

A fully built new home for sale is a popular option for buyers who want the benefits of new construction without waiting through a lengthy building process. It is a property that has been recently completed - generally less than 5 years old -, has never been occupied and is immediately ready to move into. In Belgium, this type of property offers lower notary costs, an excellent energy performance certificate and extensive guarantees, making it ideal if you want to move in quickly. This article explains what it involves, its advantages and what to look out for when buying.

What is a fully built new home?

A fully built new home is a newly constructed property that:

• is completely finished and habitable at the time of sale;
• has never been rented out or occupied;
• is generally less than 5 years old (the fiscal definition of "new").

Unlike an off-plan purchase (sold before or during construction), the home already exists: you can visit it, assess its energy performance and receive the keys straight away. This type of sale is common among property developers who build complete residential developments and offer homes on a "turnkey" basis.

Advantages of a fully built new home

Buying a fully built new home comes with concrete benefits:

• Immediately available: no waiting for a construction phase - you can move in right away.
• Excellent energy certificate: often rated A or B, with lower energy bills and higher property value.
• Lower costs: VAT at 6% instead of 21% on the construction element, notary fees around 2-3% (versus 10-12.5% for older properties in Belgium).
• Guarantees: 10 years on structural stability, 2 years on technical installations and 1 year on finishings.
• Modern standards: meets strict energy requirements, with insulation, ventilation and home automation.

Ideal for first-time buyers or families who want security without the risk of construction defects or delays.

Drawbacks and points to consider

There are a few things to bear in mind when looking at a fully built new home for sale:

• Less personalisation: no choice over layout or materials (unless customisation options are offered).
• Location: often in new residential areas, sometimes further from the town centre.
• Resale value: after 5 years the property becomes "old" for tax purposes, meaning full registration duties will apply on resale.
• Co-ownership charges: for apartments in a shared building, management fees for common areas apply.

Rules and formalities in Belgium

Buying a fully built new home is subject to specific rules:

• VAT rate: 21% on the sale price (or 6% for social housing).
• Notary fees: limited to approximately 2-3% thanks to reduced registration duties.
• Energy certificate and inspections: mandatory, with a focus on energy performance.
• Guarantees: construction defects are covered by the contractor or developer.

Planning permits are already obtained by the seller; you simply verify the as-built plans and the conformity of the property.

Comparison table: new vs. existing home

When is it a good option?

A fully built new home is a perfect fit for:

• first-time buyers who want an energy-efficient home;
• investors looking for a rental property (strong yield potential);
• families who want to avoid the hassle of self-build or renovation.

Would you like to have a specific property valued or compared with existing options? Request a free valuation through local estate agents at immomakelaarvergelijker.be.