Handover checklist for new owners

What should you do before collecting off-plan keys?

When the developer completes the project, you will usually receive a completion or handover notice explaining the steps and what remains to be paid. Typical items include:

• the final instalment under your payment plan, or mortgage drawdown if financed
• service charges for the period from handover
• the developer's handover documents and any utility or admin charges, which you should confirm in writing
• conversion of the Oqood registration to a title deed with DLD

Check every amount against your sale and purchase agreement and your escrow payment history. Our guides to title deeds and Oqood and off-plan payment plans explain the documents and payments.

How do inspection and snagging work?

Before you accept the keys, inspect the home carefully or appoint a professional snagging company. Test every switch, socket, tap, drain, door, window and appliance; check walls, floors, ceilings and wet areas for defects; and run the air conditioning. List defects in writing with photos and submit them to the developer.

Developers normally fix agreed snags after handover, and defects liability continues for a period under the purchase agreement and Dubai law. Our snagging checklist gives a room-by-room list.

Resale handover

For resale homes, handover follows transfer at a DLD trustee office. Agree in the Form F MOU when keys, access cards, parking cards and any furniture pass to you, and whether a final walk-through happens before transfer. Ask the seller for:

• all keys, remotes, access and parking cards
• the developer NOC and service-charge clearance; see developer NOC explained
• DEWA, cooling and gas clearances
• warranties, manuals and contractor contacts
• any building rules or community guidelines

If the property is tenanted, you take over the tenancy. Get the contract, Ejari, deposit details and the tenant's contact before transfer.

Which utilities and accounts need setting up?

Open DEWA in your name, or arrange for your tenant to do so, using the steps in our DEWA setup for owners guide. Open district cooling and gas accounts where relevant; see chiller fees explained. Arrange internet and TV service early because installation slots can take time.

Register with the community or building management and confirm your service-charge account on Mollak. Ask for the current budget and payment schedule; our service charge budgets guide explains how to read it.

Moving in or letting

Many buildings require a move-in permit before furniture deliveries or removals. Book lift and loading-bay slots with management. Photograph the condition of the property on the day you take possession.

If you plan to let the property, prepare it before marketing: clean, finish any snags, and complete a condition report. Our property handover and list your property pages explain how we take over a new home for letting.

What should your handover file contain?

Keep one folder, physical and digital, with the title deed, purchase agreement, payment receipts, snagging reports, warranties, utility account numbers, community contacts, insurance policy and access card records. It will save time at every later step, from renewals to resale. Consider home insurance from the day you take possession.