If hidden defects come to light after the purchase of a house or other property, the seller may be liable on the grounds of non-conformity, unless this is explicitly excluded in the purchase agreement. The seller's duty to disclose usually outweighs the buyer's duty to investigate. This means that the buyer can usually recover the costs of repair or compensation from the seller. Depending on the situation, exceptions may apply.

The purchase becomes legally binding when both parties have signed the agreement in writing. Buyers then have a reflection period of three days, during which they can terminate the agreement without giving any reason. After this reflection period, the purchase can in principle no longer be reversed.

A transfer is valid when there is a valid title (such as a purchase agreement), the transfer is carried out correctly and the transferor has the power of disposition. For movable property, this usually means the actual transfer of the goods. For immovable property, a notarial deed is required, followed by registration in the public registers, so that the ownership is legally transferred to the buyer.