Checklist to Follow before Taking Possession of Your Property

Buying a property is a lifetime investment and requires tons of research. This is not your everyday grocery shopping that you can afford to make a mistake on. A lot of prerequisite thought must be put in before you sign the SPA (Sales Purchase Agreement). Meticulous planning beforehand can go a long way in ensuring your purchase is worthwhile.

The buying process of a property can be daunting and overwhelming while being exciting and rewarding at the same time. Making sure your investment is a profitable and promising one requires you to do your due diligence beforehand. And this requires creating a checklist of items you need to thoroughly inspect before committing to the property, which is exactly what this blog is all about. 

Buying Properties in the UAE

The UAE is a dreamland of opportunities, shining hopes of a better life for people worldwide. Its real estate market, especially in Dubai, is one of the most sophisticated and dynamic ones globally, offering ultra-luxurious properties, be it residential or commercial. From economical studio apartments to opulent villas, properties in Dubai are magnanimously diverse and enviable.

Investing in Dubai’s real estate requires you to be at the top of your research game. With some of the biggest property developers in the world competing for your attention, it can be extremely easy to get lost in the sauce. Remember to always stay focused on your buying goal and not bite more than you can chew. 

Things You Should Check Before Taking Possession of Your Property

We have compiled this comprehensive list of aspects you need to thoroughly check out before taking possession of your property. Make sure not to miss a single thing. 

Legal Compliance and Government Approval

First and foremost, you need to make sure that the property you are buying, regardless of what kind it is, has been approved by the government. Every property developer must seek permission from the Dubai Municipality before going ahead with the construction of their project. This stamp of approval enhances the credibility of the property, and the building at large.

You need to check whether the municipal corporation and local government have issued the property you intend to buy a Completion Certificate (CC) and an Occupancy Certificate (OC) or not. This also ensures that the property confirms the fire safety rules. Without the approval of the government, the construction and building structure is considered illegal and can lead to severe consequences.

There should be no compromise with this aspect irrespective of how enticing the offer might be because you don’t want to run into legal trouble down the line with the government authorities. 

All these approvals ensure that the property you are purchasing complies with the urban planning standards, safety regulations, and building codes. They also serve as proof that the property and the building are structurally safe and sound. This is why it is always recommended to purchase property from reputed property developers. 

Wall and Floor Finishing

The next order of business is checking the strength and condition of the walls and the floors. These are the foundational pillars of your property and they must be robust and sturdy enough to last for decades. 

Start by checking for cracks in the walls and ceilings. Having said that, if you find any wall putty cracks, they are not of major concern. But structural cracks, on the other hand, can be extremely serious. If you find any, then you need to immediately inform the builder or property developer so that they can attend to it before you accept the possession of the property. 

You need to especially look for cracks near any electrical outlets. Analysing cracks is crucial and you cannot take this lightly as they indicate structural movement caused by soil expansion, settling, etc. 

After that, you must check whether the tiles in the living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, balcony, main door entrance, and service utility area, among others, are laid properly or not. Look for any gaps between them or if there are any misalignments. If possible, knock on the tiles. If you hear a solid sound, it is okay. But if you hear any hollow sound, it is concerning. 

Doors and Windows

Your doors and windows are the gateways to the outside world. Therefore, ensuring their well-being is key to a healthy home. Inspecting the doors and windows begins by checking whether the property developer has provided the doors and windows as per the approved material specifications and floor plans.

Make sure the door knobs, door stoppers, and door locks are all smoothly functioning. In addition, you also need to check whether the doors and windows have been treated for termites or not before they are painted. This is a crucial step that often gets ignored and helps control pest infestation in the future. 

The window stoppers and latch should also smoothly operate. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the doors and windows are aptly seated on their respective frames. Inspect closely whether the gaps between the window frames and adjoining walls are sealed tightly or not. Check the same for the door frames and their adjoining walls.

Another aspect that many people forget to check because it is extremely easy to miss is the absence of ventilation louvres. These play a major role in facilitating a healthy and comfortable indoor environment and help prevent moisture build-up. Make sure your builder has provided them in the lavatories. 

Electrical Connections

Faulty electrical connections can have devastating and lethal effects on the lives of the occupants. So, there should be no playing around this aspect. Make sure there are enough holes provided on the walls for kitchen chimneys and AC ducts. Ensure that each Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is functioning optimally.

Check out the functioning of each electrical switch along with every 15A and 5A plug point. Furthermore, make sure the cable pipelines for your TV, telephone, and Wi-fi are free from any blockages. You also need to ensure that the emergency power supply turns on properly each time the main power is switched off. 

You must inspect the wiring for signs of ageing, damage, or improper installation. Look out for overheating issues of plugs and sockets. Give preference to underground power lines over overhead lines. 

If you are unsure about handling the electric department of your house, then we recommend you get in touch with a professional snagging company that will do the complete inspection on your behalf. 

Plumbing

When it comes to checking the entire plumbing system in a property you are buying, you need to be extremely thorough since water is something that you cannot go without on a daily basis. Thoroughly inspect every faucet, fixture, and drain, along with the water heater. Look for any signs of water damage, slow drains, or leaks. 

Check for any corrosion, leaks under sinks or dripping faucets. Make sure that the tubs and sinks drain quickly. In addition, check if the handles are working aptly and do not forget to test the water pressure. If there are any rocking toilets, make sure to get them secured beforehand. Flush the toilets to check their proper function and complete draining. 

Visually inspect the pipes, looking for corrosion and leaks. Try and opt for a professional video inspection of the sewer pipes. If there is any sign of water damage, such as paint staining or bubbling, make note of it. Check out the age of the water heater and assess the hot water system. Observe how much time it takes for the water to heat up.

Inspect the drains, check the showerheads, and turn on the faucets.  If there are any slow-draining tubs or sinks, notify the builder immediately. Look out for any unusual sounds or odours from the plumbing system. 

You can even consult with a professional plumbing inspection company to make sure any hidden issues within the plumbing system can be meticulously identified. Issues related to pipes or slab leaks are not visible and are usually unidentifiable by the common eye. A professional eye can notice them accurately. 

Painting

It is crucial to assess the quality of paint in a property before purchasing it since it is the aspect that will draw the attention of whoever visits your home first. Conduct a visual inspection and test for prospective issues. Check for even application of the pain, clean lines, and ensure there are no brush marks or drips on the wall. 

Take note of any signs of previous paint flaking or paint bleeding. Make sure the paint is confined within the boundaries of its designated area with clean and sharp lines, especially in corners where the ceiling meets the walls. Try and gently run your hand along the walls to look for any imperfections such as sags. 

If the colour from the previous paint coat is seeping through, inform the builder. If there are any inconsistencies in the surface of the wall, including any rough patches or bumps, take immediate action. 

If you suspect any lead paint has been used or the presence of any hazardous material, please consider seeking professional advice. This is especially true for old builds that were built before the 80s. 

Fittings and Fixtures

Checking the condition of the fittings and fixtures before buying a given property will come in extremely handy in the future. This includes everything from light fixtures to built-in appliances. Only a thorough inspection will make sure that the property is in healthy working order. As such, you will be able to avoid expensive repairs down the line. 

Test all the built-in appliances such as the microwave, dishwasher, and oven, among others. Make sure all of them are in proper working condition. Check out for any signs of damage or malfunction. You need to ensure that all appliances are free of any stains or debris and are overall clean. 

Next, you need to turn on each light fixture to make sure they are properly working and that the bulbs are in good condition. If there is any buzzing sound or flickering in the lights, notify the builder. Check for any signs of damage to the fixtures themselves, such as broken parts or loose parts. Essentially, you need to check for wear and tear and this includes chipped paint, corrosion, and rust, among others. 

You also need to ensure that the fittings and fixtures are all properly secured and installed. It is also a smart practice to ask the seller for a detailed list of all the fittings and fixtures included in the sale. 

Documentation

This aspect can be very intimidating but hold still and keep a cool head while handling it. Buying a home is undoubtedly one of the biggest investments you will make in your life. As such, it can come with its fair share of pitfalls; and these pitfalls usually arise when the paperwork or documentation is not done properly. 

You may have heard that the journey to buy a home is filled with a whole lot of thrill, eagerness, and most importantly a fair share of paperwork. If you don’t have all the necessary property documents with you, you can run into unprecedented delays, difficulty in procuring loans, and legal disputes, all of which can lead to financial losses. 

Aside from taking care of all the formalities, it is important to make sure all the documents are up-to-date and verified. You need to make sure the documents are free from any legal burdens so that you can have a lifetime of peace of mind. 

It goes without saying that the sales deed is perhaps the most vital property document. It serves as proof of the sale and mentions important party details along with property details including registration information, location, and proof of payment. Look for the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) registration certificate, which essentially contains a unique number that you can check on the RERA website to make sure that the property you are about to buy is a legitimate one or not. This helps in instilling trust in the builder. 

Next, check out the title deed. Furthermore, look for the OC, which is a piece of document the local municipal authority issues to a building or home to verify that it is ready for habitation. This document plays a vital role in securing home loans. It is also required to gain approvals for commercial and rental purposes. 

The developer of the property must also obtain NOCs (No Objection Certificates) from varied authorities and departments while completing the construction of the property. This includes the fire department, electricity boards, water boards, and pollution control boards, among others, to confirm that the property is complying with all legal norms. 

Additionally, the builder or the developer must issue the allotment letter. This will include crucial details of the property such as payment plans, the amount already paid by the buyer, additional charges, etc. It also mentions the date when the buyers can claim ownership of the property and move into it. So, make sure all these documents are properly maintained and present. 

Amenities

To verify the amenities in a property in Dubai before buying it, you can leverage the DLD ( Dubai Land Department) resources such as their app or official website. You can cross-check information from the seller and give priority to the amenities that will suit your lifestyle the best.

You can use the “Property Status Inquiry” section on the website of DLD for real-time data. We recommend you focus on amenities such as gyms, security, swimming pools, and parks, among others, that align with your requirements and lifestyle. 

Take into consideration parking facilities, pet-friendly policies, and concierge services if you want added convenience. It is also important to assess the potential of smart home technology to make your property’s value relevant in the future. Furthermore, look for public transportation, schools, and leisure avenues in and around the area of your property. It is also a smart idea to consider future developments in the area. 

We urge you to stay informed about property values, market trends, and other allied influencing factors by checking economic indicators and market reports so that you can stay at the top of your game. 

To Conclude

Buying a property is no mean feat. You need to value the worth of your investment. To do that, do not feel ashamed to thoroughly inspect the condition of the property you are interested in. 

From the electricity to plumbing, from amenities to documentation, from fittings and fixtures to legal compliances, every aspect should be given priority. If you feel overwhelmed, take the help of a professional snagging company by hiring them and they will inspect everything for you. 

FAQs

Questions about Taking Possession of Your Property 

What should I check before the property handover in Dubai?

Before any property handover in Dubai, you need to meticulously inspect the condition of the property to make sure there are no defects or defaults. This will help ensure a smooth transition of ownership. 

You need to check the ceilings, walls, plumbing, fittings and fixtures, flooring, doors, and windows, along with the conditions of the in-built appliances. Additionally, verify important documents such as the sales deed, title deed, OC, and final payment. 

What documents must be collected from the developer before taking possession?

Before you take possession of your new home, you must make sure to collect all the relevant documents you need from the developer. This includes the possession letter, OC, CC, and sales deed, among others. 

In addition, you need to gather the receipts of all the payments you have made, along with any warranties for the fittings and fixtures included in the property. All these documents will help establish your ownership of the property and serve as proof of a legal and complete handover. 

What are the fees for property handover in Dubai?

There are several types of fees associated with property handover in Dubai. The main fee is the DLD transfer fee, which is 4% of the property value. It is usually paid by the buyer and is used to register the transfer of the property. In addition, there are title deed fees, administrative fees, utility registration fees, and other allied miscellaneous charges. 

What is the post-handover payment plan in Dubai?

The post-handover plan in Dubai refers to a payment structure for off-plan properties wherein a part of the purchase price is paid after the handover of the property to the buyer. This enables the buyers to move in or even lease the property and continue to make payments over an agreed-upon timeline.