Expert - House purchase

Like an architect? Yellow pages.
We got an architect to come and visit a house with us. He told us what was wrong with it and priced up roughly what it would cost.

Or a builder, particularly if it is obvious that some remedial work will be necessary.

Most buyers in Belgium use their own eyes. If a property is in a desirable area and is on the market at a reasonable price, you won't have time to get an "expert" to look at it, it will have been sold to another buyer.

Note that it is unlikely that a seller will accept an option with a "subject to survey" condition unless your offer is well above the realistic value of the property - and if the survey should then just show up obvious items the seller will insist on you honouring your original offer or paying 10% for the privilege of withdrawing it.

If you have got to the stage of 'a house we would like to buy' you should already have got your notaris organised and they will be able to advise you.
Be aware that, under Belgian law, a seller is required to notify you of any faults and, if they do not, to pay the cost of rectifying faults when they come to light. This means that having someone professional to look over a property is not something which is automatically done here.

....... under Belgian law, a seller is required to notify you of any "HIDDEN" faults .........

It is up to you to spot any obvious ones and pitch your offer accordingly.

Agree with Becasse on both counts. Would prefer a good builder over an architect. Good luck.

Lucy with out meaning to scare you if the vendors don't disclose and you later for example discover half the house was built with no planning permission it's very hard to take to court and win, happened to friend of mine. The expert she had had round to value said they were liable that it was not built of the correct bricks and let damp in etc etc. so make sure you have a good notaire. Use your eyes ask for electric conformity certificates etc.
once you sign you accept all e little personalities yes they should tell you but if they don't it's very hard to prove even in what you'd think we're clear cut cases