In Flanders, 5 to 7 months under the simplified procedure, 7 to 9 months under the ordinary procedure. In Brussels, more than 6 months depending on the application.

Indicative durations, from the first call to the construction documents, excluding the time for your decisions and contractor availability.

In Flanders, the permit is displayed for 30 days; works can start 35 days after display, if there is no appeal.

After a declaration (melding), 30 days after filing. In Brussels, a municipal permit can be suspended by the Region; the authority must be notified 8 days before works start.

An incomplete application, derogations, plans changed along the way, a public inquiry, a missing deed.

What protects them: an accurate survey by a surveyor, a complete application from the outset, decisions taken on time.