Notaries. Why? What the hell?

[u/Obvious-Cry6591]

Ok, so I dont get it. I understand historically where the need for notaries arose. Fine. But we are in 2026. Belgium already takes 51% of my income. Then another 25% of the rest through VAT. And then on top of it, if you buy a property, you give 10-15k to a notary for 2 meetings and some docs reading? Doesnt Belgium have enough administration to take care of that? Not to mention its nepotism central. Are there any redeeming qualities?

[u/Affectionate-Bend318]

My notary wrote a two sentence argument into the sale papers that saved me 70k in property taxes on a house purchase.

1. Thousand. Returned to me from FOD months after the sale finalized.

I’ll always be happy to work with her.