How to Prepare for an Upcoming Handover Payment in Dubai

Buying a property in Dubai is one of the most exciting milestones for any homeowner or investor. After months—sometimes years—of waiting for your off-plan unit to be built, the final stage arrives: the property handover.

This step is more than just collecting your keys; it’s a crucial legal and financial process that ensures your new home is ready, defect-free, and fully compliant with regulations. Knowing what to expect during a property handover can help you avoid delays, unnecessary costs, and unpleasant surprises.

What Is a Property Handover?

A property handover is the stage when ownership of a completed property is officially transferred from the developer to the buyer. This is when you:

• • Inspect the property for any defects or finishing issues.
  
  
• • Complete financial obligations such as final payments and service charges.
  
  
• • Receive legal documents proving ownership.
  
  
• • Collect the keys and access cards to your unit.
  
  

For investors, the property handover marks the point when you can begin renting or reselling your unit. For end-users, it’s the exciting step of moving into your new home.

Key Documents Required for Property Handover

Before scheduling your property handover, make sure you have the necessary documents in order:

• • Original Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
  
  
• • Proof of Final Payment (including down payment, post-dated cheques, and mortgage clearance if applicable)
  
  
• • Clearance of Service Charges for common areas
  
  
• • Passport, Emirates ID, and Visa Copies
  
  
• • No Objection Certificate (NOC) if resale is involved
  
  

Having these ready will speed up the process and prevent last-minute issues.

Financial Obligations at Handover

One of the most important aspects of property handover is settling all outstanding payments. These may include:

• • Final Installment or Mortgage Payment: If you financed the purchase through a mortgage, your bank will release the final payment to the developer.
  
  
• • Dubai Land Department (DLD) Fees: These include the 4% property registration fee (if not already settled) plus the AED 580 title deed issuance fee.
  
  
• • Service Charges: Paid to cover maintenance of shared facilities such as lobbies, gyms, and landscaping.
  
  
• • Utility Deposits: You will need to set up accounts with DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) and other utility providers.
  
  

The Snagging Process: Checking for Defects

Snagging is one of the most crucial parts of the property handover process. It involves inspecting the property thoroughly to identify construction defects or unfinished work. Common issues include:

• • Cracks in walls or ceilings
  
  
• • Leaking taps or faulty plumbing
  
  
• • Poorly aligned tiles
  
  
• • Damaged windows or doors
  
  
• • Malfunctioning electrical fittings
  
  

Many buyers hire a professional snagging company to carry out this inspection, as they have the expertise to detect issues that might be overlooked by the untrained eye. Developers are usually required to fix any defects before the official handover is finalized.

Timeline of a Typical Property Handover in Dubai

Here’s a simplified timeline of what to expect:

Stage	What Happens	Timeline
Notification	Developer informs you the property is ready	1–3 months before handover
Document Collection	Submit required paperwork and proof of payments	1–4 weeks
Snagging	Inspect and report defects	1–2 weeks
Rectification	Developer fixes issues	2–4 weeks
Final Handover	Collect keys, access cards, and Title Deed	Completion day

Common Challenges During Property Handover

While the process is straightforward in theory, many buyers encounter delays or issues, such as:

• • Outstanding payments or bank delays holding up the final settlement.
  
  
• • Defects not being corrected on time by the developer.
  
  
• • Delays in DLD registration leading to postponed title deed issuance.
  
  
• • Disputes over service charges between owners and developers.
  
  

Being proactive and working with a mortgage advisor or legal consultant can help minimize these risks.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Property Handover

Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Plan Your Finances Early – Ensure your mortgage bank or personal funds are ready for the final payment.
   
   
2. Hire a Snagging Professional – This small investment can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
   
   
3. Check Service Charges – Confirm the annual service charge with the developer before completing handover.
   
   
4. Schedule Utilities in Advance – Book DEWA and internet connections ahead of time to avoid delays in moving in.
   
   
5. Communicate Regularly with the Developer – Stay updated on the timeline, required paperwork, and any snagging repairs.
   
   

Property Handover and Mortgages

If you’ve financed your property purchase through a mortgage, the bank plays a key role during the property handover. Typically:

• • The bank releases the final installment directly to the developer.
  
  
• • The title deed is issued in the buyer’s name but kept with the bank as security until the mortgage is repaid.
  
  
• • Service charges and maintenance costs remain the buyer’s responsibility from the handover date.
  
  

Working closely with your mortgage advisor ensures that your financing is aligned with the handover timeline.

The property handover is the last—but most important—step in the buying journey. Whether you’re an investor or end-user, preparing properly will help you avoid delays, unnecessary costs, and stress.

From organizing documents to scheduling snagging inspections, every detail matters. And if you’re financing your home through a mortgage, coordinating with your bank and developer is essential.

At Mortgage Finder, our experts support clients not only in securing the right mortgage but also in navigating crucial stages like property handover. With the right guidance, you can enjoy a seamless transition into your new home or investment.

Planning for a property handover soon? Contact our team today for personalized mortgage and settlement advice.