Blockchain and Real Estate Law : a conceptual analysis.

“Does the use of blockchain technology affect the conveyance process of real estate, and to which extent is the legal framework adapted to this transformation?” This project aims to spearhead a better understanding of the consequences of applying blockchain in the field of real estate law. Although blockchain technology – as a public medium for conveyance without third party intervention – seems to be by its very nature a “next step” within the world of contracts, transactions and publicity, there is a powerful tension between the basic foundations of these legal concepts and the features of blockchain technology. The goal is to study comparatively the conveyance process in different legal systems (France, Belgium, UK, Netherlands). Based on these finding, we take a look at blockchain technology, how it might influence these processes and perhaps, by doing so, create situations that are “unprecedented” in real estate law. Finally, the aim is to integrate all this in a new legal framework for conveyance based on normative criteria (consumer protection, efficiency, harmonisation and legal certainty).