SERVICES
Pre-check
An initial picture of real estate abroad.
A pre-check is an initial investigation into whether there are leads pointing to real estate in the name of the person concerned in the research country. You receive an overview of the findings: whether there are assets in the country concerned and what type of assets they are, without further in-depth investigation.
What the pre-check is
First find out whether further investigation makes sense.
Do you have indications that a person concerned owns real estate abroad, but would you first like to know whether a full investigation makes sense? With a pre-check, we investigate whether real estate is registered in the name of the person concerned in the country under investigation. See also when you may start a property investigation.
The lead time is usually 1 to 2 weeks. You know the costs in advance.
The pre-check indicates whether there are assets in the country concerned and what type of assets they are, without further in-depth investigation. A full and detailed picture, with address, land registry data, ownership share and method of acquisition, is provided by the full in-depth investigation.
We carry out the pre-check with local partners who are authorised in the country under investigation. See in which research countries a pre-check is possible. The investigation is carried out in compliance with the GDPR rules, the applicable privacy rules and local legislation. You receive an overview of the findings, with an explanation of what was investigated and which limitations apply.
A pre-check does not automatically lead to a follow-up assignment. Based on the outcome, we discuss with you whether a full in-depth investigation is appropriate. How the pre-check works for your organisation is explained under pre-check for OCMWs and pre-check for housing companies.
When to use it
Concrete suspicion
Where there are concrete indications that foreign property may be relevant to the case.
Allocation or award
When allocating a social housing unit or awarding a living wage (leefloon), where the case gives reason to do so.
Periodic review
During a periodic review of cases in which there is a concrete reason, within the applicable rules and the GDPR.
Before a full investigation
If you first want to assess whether a full in-depth investigation is appropriate.
What you receive
| Overview | An overview of whether there are indications of real estate in the name of the person concerned in the country under investigation |
|---|---|
| Description | Whether there are assets in the country concerned and what type of real estate is involved, without further in-depth investigation |
| Explanation and next steps | What was investigated, which limitations apply and which follow-up investigation may be useful. At your request, you receive a separate quotation for a full in-depth investigation |
Lead time and costs
| Lead time | Usually 1 to 2 weeks after receipt of all the required information. The lead time depends on the country under investigation. We keep you informed of progress and any delays |
|---|---|
| Costs | You receive a written quotation in advance. We only start after your approval. For a full investigation or a valuation, you receive a separate quotation |
| Required data | Full name, date of birth and place of birth of the person concerned, where possible the names of the parents and the presumed country or region |
| Submission | Via a secure channel you receive after the intake, never via the website form |
What the pre-check is not
An initial picture, not evidence.
The pre-check is not a detailed report and is not intended as evidence in proceedings. Address, land registry and parcel number, ownership share, date of acquisition, method of acquisition and value are only addressed in the full in-depth investigation.
A positive outcome does not in itself establish fraud. A negative outcome means that no real estate was found within the scope of the investigation carried out; this does not rule out every form of property abroad.
Frequently asked questions
A first investigation result that gives direction to your next steps.
A positive pre-check means that there are indications of real estate in the name of the person investigated. A full investigation can then provide clarity about the ownership and the relevant details. A positive outcome does not in itself establish fraud.
A negative pre-check means that no real estate was found within the scope of the investigation carried out. This does not rule out every form of property abroad. 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.
With the result, we explain what was investigated, which limitations apply and which follow-up investigation may be useful.
You receive an indication of the lead time in advance.
A pre-check usually takes 1 to 2 weeks after receipt of all the required information. If you then opt for a full investigation, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after your order confirmation and receipt of the required information and documents.
The lead time depends on the country under investigation, the number of properties and the availability of the documents. We keep you informed of progress and any delays.
You know the costs in advance.
The price of a pre-check depends on the country under investigation and the scope of the request. You receive a written quotation in advance, so you know where you stand.
A positive result does not automatically lead to a follow-up assignment. For a full investigation or a valuation, you receive a separate quotation. We only start after your approval.
NEXT STEPS
Related services
Full 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 moreRecovery and seizure
Seizure and enforcement as a separate procedure, through the competent legal professionals.
Read moreIn doubt about property abroad?
Start with a pre-check. Do you have indications that a person concerned owns real estate abroad? With a pre-check, you usually receive an initial picture within 1 to 2 weeks. You receive a written quotation in advance. After the intake, you submit the details of the person concerned via a secure channel, never via the website form.