Use the sale and purchase agreement (SPA), completion notice and the developer’s written handover instructions as the controlling checklist. Requirements differ by project and contract.
| Stage | What to do | Keep | Responsible party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before the appointment | Match the completion notice and statement of account to the SPA. Confirm any final balance, payment method, appointment, access and whether utilities or service-charge clearance are required. | Notice, SPA, account statement, payment instructions verified through a separate known developer channel, appointment confirmation. | Developer and buyer; lender if financed. |
| At inspection | Walk each room and included area. Check doors, windows, finishes, visible plumbing, power points, cooling operation, appliances, balcony, parking and storage against the contract and specifications. Photograph each issue with date and location. | Unit checklist, dated photos/video, meter readings and written defect list. | Buyer and developer representative; independent inspector if engaged. |
| Before signing acceptance | Read what acceptance means under the SPA. Record unresolved defects and their agreed follow-up in writing. Do not sign a statement that inaccurately says no defects remain. | Signed inspection/acceptance record and acknowledged defect list. | Buyer and developer. |
| After keys | Count keys, access cards and remotes; test access. Collect manuals, warranties, parking/storage allocation and building contacts. Arrange title/registration and activate applicable utilities and insurance. | Key/card inventory, manuals, warranty certificates, receipts, title/registration records and utility confirmations. | Developer, buyer and relevant utility/building providers. |
| Defect closure | Send each item through the developer’s stated channel, quote its original record, retain replies and access dates, and obtain written closure evidence. Escalate unresolved contractual matters using the contract and DLD channels that apply. | Issue log, correspondence, access records, repair report and closure confirmation. | Developer and buyer; professional adviser where needed. |
Handover inspection and snagging service
An owner can record visible condition, test accessible fixtures and compare inclusions against the SPA. This is not an engineering assessment. Use an independent suitably qualified inspector for technical or concealed-system checks. Remington Properties can help organise questions, records and appointments; this guide does not represent that the firm supplies a contracted technical snagging service.
Dubai off-plan handover documents
Ask the developer for the completion notice, final statement of account, SPA handover clauses and any clearance evidence it requires. At collection, request available warranties and manuals, keys/cards, parking and storage allocation, building-management contacts, and a dated defect list. The exact document set depends on the SPA, property and current DLD/developer procedure; confirm the title or registration document directly with DLD for the transaction.
What happens when defects remain after handover?
Report the issue in writing promptly, identify the unit and location, attach dated photos and cite the inspection record and SPA clause. Ask for acknowledgement, proposed access and a written action plan. Keep repair invoices and closure records. Dubai’s jointly owned property legislation sets developer liability periods for structural defects and certain defects in common parts; this does not create one universal deadline for every snag or replace the SPA. Get advice on a disputed or serious defect.
Useful next steps: DLD property transfer guide, Dubai maintenance schedule and moving address checklist. Sources checked 22 September 2026: DLD sale registration and Dubai jointly owned property law.
FAQs
What does handover mean?
Handover is the project-specific process of completing contractual requirements, inspecting the property, recording acceptance, and receiving access items and documents. Check the SPA for the legal and payment conditions.
What can I check myself?
You can record visible condition and test accessible fixtures. Technical or concealed systems should be assessed by a suitably qualified independent inspector.
When should snagging happen?
Arrange the inspection at the developer’s available pre-handover or handover appointment and follow the SPA. Record any later-discovered issue promptly in writing.
Must I pay the final balance before inspection?
The payment trigger is set by the SPA and developer procedure. Obtain a current statement and verified payment instructions; ask for written clarification before paying a disputed amount.
What if defects remain after keys?
Report each issue with dated evidence, cite the SPA or inspection record, request a written action plan, and keep access and repair records.
How do I set up utilities?
Use the relevant provider’s official move-in process. DEWA’s current form asks for property and occupancy details; Ejari requirements have stated exceptions.
