A rural sale may include a dwelling, yard, meadows and a separate piece of land. First identify the cadastral plots and the parts actually being sold. Obtain the correct soil information for each relevant plot and file documents under their plot numbers. Buyers should be able to see which certificate concerns which land.
OVAM states that a seller must provide a soil certificate on every sale of land in Flanders. The certificate is an extract from the land information register, setting out relevant information known to OVAM. It must be available before the transfer agreement is concluded, and its content must be communicated to the buyer.
Where OVAM has no records, it may issue a blank certificate. That does not mean a laboratory investigation has been carried out or all possible contamination excluded. Review earlier activities on the holding. An old workshop, dump or other potentially contaminating use may make land a risk site. OVAM says an exploratory soil investigation is then required before sale.
Since January 2026, soil certificates have been requested through the Flemish property information platform. Identifying the land requires particular care when only part of a plot is sold or the cadastre has recently changed. OVAM warns that a not-yet-existing, pre-cadastral plot cannot receive a certificate. Coordinate the list early with the notary and, where needed, a surveyor.
A simple table of plot number, use, area and available soil certificate helps buyers navigate the information. Do not make your own general assertion about soil quality that goes beyond the certificates and studies. The file should show what is known and what remains to be investigated.
Connect each certificate to its cadastral number and review possible risk land with the notary early.
About this advice. General information as at 25 October 2026. Necessary documents and investigations depend on the land and its history. Ask the notary and soil specialists to review the specific holding.
Official sources: OVAM land information register, requesting a soil certificate, property information platform.
About this advice · These articles provide general information as at their stated editorial dates. Rules and rates can change. Ask the competent authority and, where appropriate, your notary, architect or specialist to confirm the position for your property or purchase.
