FOR WHOM
Asset investigation abroad for public centres for social welfare (OCMW)
A living wage (leefloon) or supplementary support is granted after an investigation into the means of subsistence. Real estate abroad forms part of that, but is difficult to verify from Belgium.
What we investigate for your OCMW
We investigate whether a person owns real estate abroad, which property is involved and in whose name it is registered. Where relevant and possible, we also map the ownership share, the date of acquisition, previous ownership registrations and the value.
We support OCMWs, cities and municipalities with questions about real estate abroad. Our findings help the competent authority to assess the case carefully and to consider any follow-up steps.
For this we work with local lawyers, investigators and appraisers, each within the powers and legal possibilities of the country concerned. An overview is available under research countries.
You receive a report with the findings, the available supporting documents and any limitations of the investigation. This gives your OCMW substantiated information to assess the case carefully. Your OCMW decides which administrative or legal consequences are attached to the findings.
The legal framework in plain language
The OCMW investigates whether someone is entitled to a living wage or other social assistance. In doing so, it assesses the applicant’s financial situation, including movable and immovable property. Real estate abroad can also affect the right to assistance or the amount granted. Owning real estate does not automatically mean that someone is not entitled to assistance: the OCMW assesses each case according to the applicable rules.
If relevant assets are not declared, the OCMW can review the assistance and, if the legal conditions are met, recover amounts that were wrongly paid. See also the difference between domicile fraud and property fraud.
Bureaubuitenland België supports OCMWs with investigations into real estate abroad. In advance, we explain which investigation options exist, which documents are needed and which limitations apply in the country concerned. The investigation is carried out in compliance with the GDPR rules, the applicable privacy rules and local legislation.
We bring the findings together in a clear report, with the available supporting documents and an explanation of any limitations. This gives the OCMW substantiated information to assess the case carefully. The decision on the right to assistance and any recovery remains with the OCMW.
When an investigation makes sense
Statements that do not add up
Statements about residence or family situation that do not match what you see in the case file.
Long stays in the country of origin
Long or repeated stays in the country of origin.
Income without a source
Rental income or regular transfers abroad without an identifiable source.
Reports
Reports from third parties or from other services.
Indications in earlier cases
In the event of an inheritance, a divorce or an earlier investigation.
In doubt?
With a pre-check, you can have it looked into, usually within 1 to 2 weeks.
What the report contains
| Address and location | Full address and location of each property |
|---|---|
| Land registry | Land registry, plot and parcel number |
| Owner | In whose name it is registered and since when |
| Acquisition | Purchase, inheritance or donation |
| Co-ownership | Whether there is co-ownership and for what share |
| Value | Indication of value or official appraisal, with photos where possible |
| Sources | Source references and date of consultation |
How to use the report
The report gives your organisation a substantiated basis for assessing the right to assistance, a possible refusal or review, and the recovery of amounts wrongly paid.
Is your decision challenged? Then you can submit the report as evidence. The court assesses the evidential value of the documents submitted. If the court or the lawyer of the person concerned has questions, we provide further explanation of our findings and their substantiation.
SERVICES
What you can commission
Pre-check
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks, an initial picture of whether real estate is registered in the name of the person concerned.
Read moreFull in-depth investigation
The full report with land registry data, method of acquisition, co-ownership and sources, usually within 2 to 4 weeks.
Read moreAppraisal on request
On request, we have the real estate investigated appraised by a local estate agent or appraiser. The substantiated valuation is included in the report, so that your organisation can take it into account when assessing the case.
Read moreFrom the knowledge base
Living wage and stay abroad: the four-week rule and what the OCMW may check
Living wage and stay abroad: a maximum of four weeks per year. What the rule entails, what the OCMW may check and how property ownership comes into play.
Read more
Means test for the living wage: what counts, including abroad
Which resources an OCMW counts for the living wage, how real estate in Belgium and abroad is assessed and what concealment means.
Read more
When may you start a property investigation? Suspicion, GDPR and case building
When may you start a property investigation? Which suspicion is sufficient, what the GDPR requires, what is not allowed and how to build the case file.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
Yes. The OCMW must investigate the means of subsistence when assessing the right to assistance. Real estate abroad can also be taken into account.
Bureaubuitenland België can provide support within the applicable legal conditions. In advance, we agree on the research question, the approach and the data required. We work with local experts, in compliance with the GDPR and the legislation of the country concerned.
The report focuses on ownership data that are relevant to your case. The assessment of the right to assistance and the decision-making remain with your OCMW.
The costs differ per country and research question. You receive a written quotation in advance, so that you know where you stand before the investigation starts.
For a full investigation or an appraisal, you receive a separate quotation in advance.
A pre-check usually takes 1 to 2 weeks after receipt of the data. A full in-depth asset investigation usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the country and the number of properties. You receive an indication in advance.
We investigate real estate registered in the name of the person concerned and process only the personal data needed for the research question. In doing so, we act in compliance with the GDPR and the applicable local legislation.
When we act as a processor for your OCMW, we lay down the arrangements in a data processing agreement. Confidential case data are exchanged exclusively via a secure channel.
You receive written confirmation of the outcome, with an explanation of the investigation carried out. If there is reason to do so and an appropriate legal basis, a separate pre-check into the spouse or partner can be carried out. You receive a quotation for this in advance.
A positive pre-check means that registrations of real estate in the name of the person concerned have been found. You receive an overview of the findings with an explanation of their significance for your case.
If you wish, we then carry out a full investigation. In doing so, we examine the ownership situation in more detail and collect the corresponding supporting documents. An appraisal can also be carried out on request. You receive a separate quotation in advance.
A pre-check provides initial insight into any real estate registered in the name of the person concerned. You receive the results with an explanation of their significance for your case. A negative outcome means that no real estate was found within the investigation carried out. For any follow-up investigation, you receive a separate quotation in advance.
Discuss your case
Do you have a question about real estate abroad? We are happy to discuss which service suits your case. You receive clarity in advance about the assignment, the lead time and the costs.