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Buying guide

Apartment handover checklist: what to inspect before you accept

A room-by-room inspection guide for the day you receive the keys, plus the paperwork to collect before you accept the unit.

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8 October 2026

Handover is the last point where fixing a problem is the developer's job rather than yours. Take your time, bring a notebook and a torch, and avoid inspecting in a hurry on the day of a celebration.

Structure and finishes

Look for hairline cracks, damp patches, uneven plaster and tiles that sound hollow when tapped. Check that floor levels, wall corners and ceiling lines look straight. Compare the finishes with the specification you were given.

Doors, windows and balconies

Open and close every door and window. Locks, hinges and latches should work smoothly. Check glass for scratches and balcony railings for firmness.

Plumbing

Run every tap, shower and flush. Check water pressure, drainage speed and look under sinks for leaks. Confirm the water tank and pump arrangement for the building.

Electrical

Test every switch, socket, light point and fan point. Ask where the distribution board is and whether circuits are labelled. Confirm provisions for air conditioning and for generator backup.

Common areas

Ride the lift, check stairwell lighting, parking space marking, the generator and the security arrangement. These shared systems affect your daily life as much as the flat itself.

Paperwork to collect

Ask for the handover letter, the as-built or approved plan, utility connection papers, warranty details for fittings and the agreed service charge schedule. Write every defect into a signed snagging list with a date for completion.

Do not accept the unit until the list is agreed. Our team walks buyers through the unit at Jannat Heights before handover — book a visit to see how we do it.

Want this explained against a specific unit?

Bring your questions to a site visit — or call the legal desk before you pay booking money.