Long lease (emphyteusis)

Emphyteusis is a real right granting the leaseholder full enjoyment of a property for 27 to 99 years, in exchange for a modest annual fee. In Belgium, this mechanism is governed by the new Book 3 of the Civil Code (2021). The leaseholder may build, plant, and even mortgage their right. Upon expiry, constructions revert to the owner without compensation, unless otherwise agreed. This system is notably used by public authorities, CPAS/OCMW, and certain developers to make housing more accessible: the buyer purchases only the bricks, not the land, reducing the cost by 20 to 30%.