Everything you need to know about a property condition report in Antwerp.

Frequently asked questions about property condition reports

What exactly is a property condition report and what does it contain?

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A property condition report is a contradictory, legally sound document that records the exact state of a home, apartment or commercial property at a specific moment. It contains a detailed description per room (floors, walls, ceilings, joinery, sanitary, technical installations), meter readings, high-resolution photographs and any pre-existing defects. The document serves as objective evidence at the start and end of a lease, in a sale or before construction works on adjacent property.

How long does a property report take and how does the appointment work?

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A studio or small apartment takes 1 to 1.5 hours on average, a family home 2 to 3 hours and a large or commercial property half a day. PB Expert schedules within a few business days across Antwerp and surroundings. You usually receive the full digital report within 48 hours, signable via a secure link.

Is a property condition report legally required in Flanders?

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Yes. Under the Flemish Residential Lease Decree, a contradictory entry property report is mandatory for every lease of a primary residence. Without a valid report, the tenant is presumed to have received the property in the same condition in which it is returned, which usually disadvantages the landlord in a dispute.

What is the difference between an entry and an exit property report?

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The entry report is drawn up before or during the first month of occupancy and records the starting situation. The exit report takes place at the end of the lease, after the tenant has moved out. Both are compared to determine which deviations constitute tenant damage and which fall under normal wear and tear.

Can a property report be used in a legal procedure?

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Yes. A contradictory property report drawn up by an independent expert and signed by both parties is recognised by the justice of the peace as strong evidence. The more detailed, objective and well-photographed the report, the less room for dispute about damage, deposit or construction-related damage.

Who pays for the property report, tenant or landlord?

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For residential leases in Flanders the cost is legally split equally between tenant and landlord (50/50), unless otherwise stated in the lease. In a sale, the principal pays. For property reports prior to construction works (art. 544 Civil Code), the developer or contractor pays.

What happens if damage is found at the exit report?

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Damage is compared to the entry report. Only deviations beyond normal wear and tear are charged. The expert objectively estimates the repair cost; that amount may be deducted from the deposit. In case of dispute, the report serves as the basis for amicable settlement or proceedings before the justice of the peace.

Why is a property report important for my rental deposit?

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The property report directly determines how much of your deposit you get back. Without a clear entry report, a landlord struggles to prove damage and a tenant struggles to challenge unjustified charges. A professional report protects both parties and speeds up the bank's release of the deposit.

What is a pre-construction property report (art. 544 Civil Code)?

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Before demolition, renovation or new construction, the developer is well advised to commission a property report of all adjacent buildings. It records the existing state (cracks, settlements, finishes) so that any damage from vibrations, dewatering or building activity can later be proven. It protects both the developer and the neighbours from unjust claims.

What does a property report cost in Antwerp?

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PB Expert applies competitive, transparent rates with no hidden costs. Pricing depends on property type (studio, apartment, house, commercial), surface area and the number of rooms. You can find our full price list on the Pricing page or in our downloadable PDF. A tailored quote arrives within one business day.

Which region does PB Expert cover?

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PB Expert specialises in property reports in Antwerp and all surrounding municipalities: Berchem, Borgerhout, Deurne, Wilrijk, Hoboken, Merksem, Ekeren, Mortsel, Edegem, Kontich, Schoten, Brasschaat, Kapellen, Brecht and the entire province of Antwerp. For larger assignments or property portfolios we also cover Flemish Brabant and East Flanders.

How quickly can I schedule an appointment?

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In most cases we schedule within 2 to 5 business days. For urgent files (for example an exit report with a tight deadline or a sudden sale) we offer, where possible, an express service within 24 hours. Call us on +32 469 14 84 08 or request your appointment online via the contact form.

Does PB Expert also work with real-estate agents, syndics and property managers?

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Absolutely. We have structural partnerships with real-estate agents, syndics, management offices and investors across Antwerp. For B2B clients we provide priority scheduling, standardised reporting, centralised invoicing and volume-based pricing. Request a no-obligation introduction.

What is the advantage of an independent property surveyor?

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An independent expert has no stake in the outcome and remains strictly neutral. That increases the report's evidentiary value and prevents accusations of bias in later disputes. PB Expert is not tied to any specific agent or landlord and always works contradictorily, in the presence of both parties.