{"id":7569,"date":"2026-10-12T17:55:59","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/junkbrothers.be\/?p=7569"},"modified":"2026-10-12T17:55:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:55:59","slug":"clearing-out-a-sold-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/junkbrothers.be\/en\/huis-verkocht-leegmaken\/","title":{"rendered":"House sold: What needs to be taken out before the keys are handed over?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The preliminary agreement has been signed, the buyer is happy, and the deed will be finalized at the notary\u2019s office in a few months. On that day, the buyer will receive the keys, and the home usually needs to be vacated by then. That may seem far off, but clearing out an entire home takes more time than you might think\u2014especially if it includes a basement, an attic, and a garage, or if it\u2019s the home of a deceased parent.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

In this article, you'll learn when the home must be vacated, what can stay and what must go, and how to plan everything in time.<\/p>\n\t\t

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Short answer:<\/strong> The buyer usually receives the keys when the deed is signed at the notary\u2019s office. What is allowed to remain in the home is specified in the preliminary sales agreement. Usually, this includes only items that are permanently attached to the house and those you have explicitly agreed to include in the sale. Everything else must be removed, including items from the basement, attic, garage, and yard. Plan to clear out the property at least one week before the deed is signed, allowing time for cleaning and a final walk-through.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

1. When does the property need to be vacated?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The keys are normally handed over on the day the deed is signed at the notary\u2019s office. At that point, the buyer becomes the owner and you receive the sale price. Until then, you remain the owner and are therefore still responsible for things like insurance and heating.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Sometimes other arrangements are made:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t