Your Off Plan Handover Checklist for Dubai

Handover guide

Handover is the moment your off plan purchase becomes real, and the moment you have the most leverage over your developer. Handle it well and defects get fixed for free. Handle it poorly and you inherit them. Here is the sequence to follow.

1. Get your handover date early

As soon as the developer notifies completion, note the date and do not rush to sign. You are entitled to inspect before you accept.

2. Book an independent inspection before you sign

This is the step most buyers skip and later regret. An independent handover inspection gives you a documented, graded snag list before you accept the property, so the developer has to fix it.

3. Check your documents

Confirm the unit matches the sale and purchase agreement, the area, the layout and the specification. Note your defect liability period start date.

4. Walk the property with the report

Use the inspection report to raise every defect on the spot. Photograph anything you are unsure about. Do not accept verbal promises, get it in writing.

5. Submit the snag list formally

Send the graded report to the developer or community management through the official channel, and keep a record of the submission date.

6. Insist on a close out

Once the developer says the work is done, get a re inspection to verify every item before you consider the matter closed.