ABOUT US
About Bureaubuitenland België
Specialised in investigations into real estate abroad.
Bureaubuitenland België BV is an investigation agency based in Antwerp. With a network of local experts in 45 countries, we support public centres for social welfare (OCMW), housing companies, municipalities and other competent authorities with reliable and verifiable property information.
- 2018request from Flemish social housing companies
- 2019start of our investigation services for Belgian housing companies
- 45 countriesresearch reach, within and outside Europe
- 2026renewed services for OCMWs and housing companies
Origins in Belgium
A question from Flemish social housing.
In mid-2018, Flemish social housing companies asked us whether investigations into foreign property would also be possible for them. Scarce social housing units were occupied by tenants suspected of owning real estate abroad. Checks beyond national borders proved hardly feasible in practice.
Since 2019, we have worked for Belgian housing companies. Our carefully documented reports provide a well-founded basis for administrative and legal decision-making.
After several successful pilots, including the case that led to the judgment of the justice of the peace (vrederechter) in Hamme in June 2019, we have worked for Belgian housing companies since 2019, from our office at Brusselstraat 51 in Antwerp.
FOUNDATION
Foundation
One organisation for Belgium and the Netherlands.
For Belgian and Dutch clients, from OCMWs and housing companies to municipalities and implementing organisations, we carry out investigations into real estate and recovery abroad, in countries within and outside Europe. We work with one method, one network of lawyers, estate agents and appraisers and the same experience built up over the years. In Belgium we work within Belgian law, in the Netherlands within Dutch law.
How we work
Locally authorised experts, under our supervision.
In each country of investigation, we work with an established network of lawyers, estate agents, appraisers, agricultural engineers, interpreters and translators. They carry out the investigation on site, under our supervision from Antwerp and in accordance with the laws and regulations of their country. The investigation is carried out in compliance with the GDPR rules, the applicable privacy rules and local legislation. We investigate only real estate registered in the name of the person concerned, never on the basis of origin and never the private life. See also the difference between a private detective and an investigation agency.
We establish which properties are involved, where they are located, in whose name they are registered and since when. We conduct investigations in 45 countries, within and outside Europe. The options and the scope of our services vary by country and case; you can find an overview under research countries. How we handle a case from request to report is described on the how we work page.
Case law and investigation reports
Reports that can be submitted as evidence.
Investigations and reports by Bureaubuitenland have been used in court proceedings in Belgium and the Netherlands concerning foreign property. In specific cases, judges have taken the investigation findings into account and have confirmed, in whole or in part, decisions or claims of clients based on them.
This practical experience underlines the importance of careful investigation and clear reporting. The court assesses the evidential value of the documents submitted. Each ruling relates to a specific case and offers no guarantee for the outcome of another case. You can find an overview of relevant rulings under case law.
Confidential handling
A clear purpose of investigation, secure data exchange and agreements on processing.
We treat assignments, personal data and case information confidentially. At the start of the collaboration, we make agreements on the exchange of information and the handling of your case.
We discuss information about a specific assignment only with the designated contact persons. The substantive explanation of an investigation takes place within the confidential collaboration with the commissioning party.
In investigations, we act as processor; as controller, you determine the purpose and legal basis of the processing. With each commissioning party we conclude a data processing agreement. We exchange case data via a secure channel, never via the website form. Our systems run in Microsoft 365 with storage within the European Union. In the event of an incident, we follow our data breach protocol. How we handle personal data is set out in our privacy statement.
CARE
Clarity and responsibility
Clarity about the results
You must be able to assess what the investigation results mean for your case. That is why we distinguish between established findings and information that requires further assessment. We explain what was investigated and which limitations apply.
In keeping with the commissioning party's responsibility
Our role is to carry out the agreed investigation assignment and to report the findings. The competent authority or legal professional assesses the case and decides on any follow-up steps.
Learn more about our experience
Would you like to discuss whether our services suit your organisation? In a personal conversation, we are glad to explain our experience and the options for your assignment, with respect for the confidentiality of existing cases and clients. Get in touch.
CONTACT
Company details
Bureaubuitenland België BV
2018 Antwerpen
Visits by appointment
- Company number
- 0736.772.309
- VAT
- BE 0736.772.309
- IBAN
- BE20 0689 3580 0756
Discuss your question with us
We think along with you about the investigation that suits your case. Do you have a question about possible property abroad in a case? Or would you like to know whether our approach suits your organisation? We are glad to explain the options. You receive in advance a clear description of the assignment, an indication of the lead time and a written quotation.