Handover is when an off-plan purchase becomes a finished home, and it comes with its own paperwork, payments and checks. We help you read the completion notice and final statement, arrange a snagging inspection and follow up defects with the developer before and after you take the keys.
We go through the notice, the final payment and the documents the developer asks for, and list what you need to prepare.
We compare the statement with your contract and payment record, and raise anything that does not match before you pay.
A snagging inspection records defects room by room, with photos, so the developer has a clear list to fix.
We check that the listed snags are fixed, and help you set up utilities and service charge payments.
We tell you where our role ends, so you know when to bring in a lawyer, a lender or a tax adviser.
Check that the unit matches the contract, including its area. Under the Dubai interim register bylaw, the developer must compensate you if the unit is more than 5% smaller than the net area in the contract. Service charges for jointly owned buildings are managed through Mollak, DLD’s service charge system. Our handover and snagging checklist lists what to look at, room by room.
Snagging means checking a new property for defects before or at handover, such as cracks, leaks, poor finishes or fittings that do not work. The developer is asked to fix the listed snags, and a re-inspection confirms the work.
Annual service charges in a jointly owned building follow a rule: Owners pay annual service charges pro rata to unit area; charges need RERA approval. You can look up approved rates for a project in the DLD / RERA Service Charge Index.
Yes. We can coordinate the inspection and show you the unit on a video call. Some handover steps may need you in person or a representative with a power of attorney, and we tell you early which applies.
Official sources used on this page. Each was checked on the date shown.
7 min read
Handover is when a completed off-plan unit becomes yours to use. Before you accept the keys, settle the final statement, inspect the unit room by room for defects (snagging), record every issue in writing and agree when it will be fixed. This guide covers what happens between completion and handover, a printable snagging checklist, common areas, defects after handover, and the accounts to set up once you have the keys.
7 min read
Service charges are the annual fees owners in Dubai buildings pay for running and maintaining shared areas. RERA must approve them, and each owner's share is based on the area of their unit. You can check approved rates on the DLD Service Charge Index or in the Dubai REST app before you buy. This guide explains what they cover, who sets them and when they start.
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