The deadline concerns the whole building
From 1 January 2027, in Flanders, the co-owners' association of a building constructed before 2001 with multiple owners must hold an asbestos certificate for the common parts. OVAM confirms that this also applies without a planned sale. Do not wait until someone lists their apartment.
For owners, this is a good moment to check whether the building is ready. A well-presented apartment and a complete building file are different things: ask about the shared roof, corridors and other common parts too.
Your own certificate is not the whole file
An individual apartment's certificate does not replace the certificate for the common parts. Existing certificate obligations already apply to qualifying sales of pre-2001 properties; OVAM explains the conditions and disclosure timing. If the building's division is unclear, have the required certificates checked.
As a buyer, ask for more than the document covering the apartment itself. Review what is known about the building and what the co-owners have already decided.
What should you ask the building manager?
Use this short list as a starting point:
- Is the common-parts certificate available? If not, who is managing the appointment and schedule?
- What recommendations does it contain? Ask for the documents, not just a verbal summary.
- Have works been discussed or budgeted? Review the relevant meeting minutes and quotations.
- How would costs be allocated and paid? Compare this with the reserve fund and your own budget.
A certificate is not a cost estimate. Obtain quotations for specific works and ask which elements would be charged to the co-ownership.
What does this mean for a sale in 2027?
OVAM warns that a private unit's sale in 2027 cannot proceed without the required common-parts certificate. It also asks associations to allow for growing waiting times.
If you are selling, coordinate the schedule with the building manager and your notary now. If you are buying, ask when the file will be complete so your arrangements do not rely only on an assumed date.
The apartment's price and the building's costs
Include potential shared costs when assessing an asking price. An apartment that fits your purchase budget may look different financially if you soon need to contribute to major works.
Use Pandwijzer for an initial value estimate and the Renovatiewijzer to explore works to your own home. For common works, start with the association's file and actual quotations.
Sources: OVAM technical guidance, sale certificate requirements and information for co-owners' associations. Checked on 16 October 2026.