Taking over a new apartment from the developer: a checklist before you sign for handover

Handover day is a happy day, which is why many people sign the handover report quickly. But that signature is your last moment of leverage before your snags become “maintenance requests”. Take two hours and follow this list.

What to bring

• A copy of the contract and the specification annex.
• A tape measure or a laser measure.
• A small phone charger to test the sockets.
• A torch, and a phone for photos.

1. Area and layout

• Compare the net area with the contract. See the guide to net and gross area.
• Make sure the layout matches: the rooms, balconies and kitchen.

2. Finishes

• Walls and ceilings: cracks, uneven paint or damp patches.
• Floors: broken tiles or a hollow sound when tapped, and swollen parquet.
• Doors: open and close without rubbing, and the locks work.

3. Windows and balconies

• Windows close tightly, with no air or water getting in.
• The balcony floor slopes towards the drain.
• The railing is firm and safe for children.

4. Electrics

• Try every switch and socket.
• Ask to see the fuse board, and make sure the circuits are labelled.
• Test the doorbell and the intercom.

5. Plumbing and water

• Open every tap and check the pressure and drainage.
• Flush every toilet and look under the sinks for leaks.
• Run the hot water.

6. Heating

• Turn on the boiler or central heating and make sure every radiator heats up. See the heating systems guide.
• Ask when the first service is due.

7. Kitchen and bathrooms

• Cupboards, drawers and hinges.
• Built-in appliances, if any: they work, and come with manuals and warranties.
• The sealing around baths, showers and basins.

8. Damp and insulation

• Look for patches or a damp smell, especially in corners, on north-facing walls and in cupboards against outside walls. This matters in rainy Trabzon. See the guide to view, orientation and sunlight.

9. Common areas

• The lift, the entrance, the parking and the storage room if it is yours.
• The promised facilities: the pool, the gym and the garden.

10. Documents

• The iskan (occupancy certificate) or its expected date. See the iskan guide.
• The title deed or the date of its transfer.
• Appliance warranties and manuals.
• All the keys and access cards.
• Contact details for the building management and the aidat (monthly maintenance fees). See the aidat guide.

How to record snags

1. Write every snag in the handover report or in an annex signed by both parties.
2. Attach photos showing the date.
3. Agree a set repair date for each item.
4. Keep a copy.

Summary

A good handover protects you for years: two hours of inspection, a signed list of snags, photos and repair dates. Then move on to setting up electricity, water and gas.

We attend the handover inspection with clients in the projects they bought through us. Contact us.