Property donation
Free transfer of a property during one's lifetime, subject to donation tax.
Full definition
A property gift is a notarial deed by which a person transfers ownership of a property free of charge to someone else during their lifetime. In Belgium, it is subject to regional gift tax, calculated in brackets and due in the region where the donor lives. In the direct line and between spouses or legal cohabitants, the current scale runs from 3% to 27% in all three regions: 3% up to EUR 150,000, then 9%, 18% and 27% above EUR 450,000. Between other persons, the top rate is 40%. Wallonia has voted a cut for deeds signed from 1 January 2028: at most 14% in the direct line and 20% between other persons. A gift with reserved usufruct lets the donor keep living in the property or collecting the rent. It is a common estate planning tool in Belgium.