Belgian construction law has traditionally developed through a combination of case law, sector-specific customs and extensive contractual arrangements, rather than through a comprehensive statutory framework. While this approach has allowed for a high degree of contractual flexibility, it has also resulted in an increased importance of negotiation and contractual arrangements, particularly in complex projects involving multiple actors and interfaces. Against this background, Book 7 aims to articulate general principles applicable to construction agreements, situating them within a broader legal framework while introducing specific rules tailored to immovable works.
In January 2026, we hosted a webinar addressing the key innovations proposed under Book 7 with respect to sale, lease and construction agreements relating to immovable property. This article reflects the part of that presentation devoted to construction agreements. This article outlines the key features of the draft