Handover — the day you collect the keys to your new build — is the culmination of months of waiting. A little preparation makes sure it goes smoothly and protects you afterwards.
Before handover
A week or two before, confirm the completion date with your conveyancer and arrange your buildings insurance to start on completion. Book your meter readings and make a note of the warranty paperwork you will receive.
On the day
Walk through the property with the developer's site manager and check every room against the snagging list. Look for minor defects — paint chips, door alignment, sealant gaps — and record them there and then. Most developers offer a snagging period, but raising items on the day is always easiest.
Your warranty
New builds come with a builder's structural warranty (typically 10 years via the NHBC or a similar provider) and a shorter period for non-structural defects. Keep all paperwork — you will need it if any issues emerge in the first two years.
Settling in
New builds can take a few months to fully settle — minor shrinkage cracks are normal in the first year. Keep the developer's contact details to hand for the defects period.
Your mortgage after handover
If you bought off-plan, your mortgage completes on handover. We stay in touch to review your rate as any initial deal period ends, so you never slip onto an uncompetitive revert rate.
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