Handover is where an off-plan purchase becomes a real home or a working investment. It is also the stage where small oversights become expensive. Our Dubai property handover service puts someone on the ground for you, from the developer's notice to the first tenant.
We coordinate the work and keep you informed. Specialist tasks such as professional snagging inspections or interior fit-out are carried out by independent providers you approve.
Dubai property handover: the notice
When the building is complete, the developer sends a handover notice with the proposed date, the final amount due, inspection arrangements and documents needed. We:
- Check the statement of account against your payment plan and receipts.
- Confirm any service charges or fees the developer is collecting at handover, with a written breakdown.
- Flag deadlines, because late payment can lead to penalties under your agreement.
Snagging
A snagging inspection looks for defects before you accept the unit. Typical checks include:
- Air conditioning, water pressure, drainage and electrical points.
- Doors, windows, waterproofing, tiling and paintwork.
- Kitchen units, appliances, wardrobes and bathroom fittings.
- Parking bays and storage allocations against your contract.
Every defect is photographed, logged and submitted through the developer's snagging process, and we follow up until it is fixed. Your rights do not end at handover. Under Dubai's jointly owned property law, the developer is liable for structural defects for 10 years from the completion certificate and for defective installations for one year from handover. Separately, Dubai's escrow law has the escrow agent hold back 5% of the project account for one year after units are registered to buyers. See our snagging and handover checklist.
Title deed
Your purchase was recorded on the Oqood interim register. After completion, ownership is registered as a title deed with the Dubai Land Department. We confirm the deed is issued correctly in your name and that it can be verified through DLD channels. Read Oqood vs title deed explained for the difference.
DEWA and district cooling
| Item | What to expect (as of 2026, confirm with the provider) |
|---|---|
| DEWA security deposit | AED 2,000 for an apartment, AED 4,000 for a villa, refundable |
| DEWA activation | Small connection, registration and knowledge or innovation fees |
| District cooling (chiller) | Separate provider in many buildings, with its own account, fees and possibly a deposit |
| Internet and TV | Arranged with a UAE telecom provider |
Some buildings include cooling in service charges, others bill it by usage through a district cooling company. We confirm which applies before you budget for rent or running costs.
Service charges
Service charges pay for building maintenance, security, cleaning, common-area utilities, insurance and a reserve fund. In jointly owned buildings, the budget is submitted through the DLD's Mollak system and approved by RERA. Approved rates appear in the DLD service charge index, which you can search by project or title deed. Payments go to the community's RERA-approved escrow account. Our guide to Dubai service charges explains more.
Furnishing and letting
If you plan to rent, we help you decide between unfurnished, furnished or a holiday home setup, based on the area and likely tenants. We coordinate furniture packages and installation with suppliers you approve, photograph the finished unit and move it straight to our property management and leasing team. Each lease is registered through Ejari.
Planning a purchase that will hand over in a few years? Our off-plan advisory service tracks the project until this stage.
General information, not tax/legal advice. Speak to a qualified adviser in your country.
Frequently asked questions
What is snagging?
Snagging is a detailed inspection of a new home before or at handover to find defects such as cracks, leaks, faulty fittings or poor finishes. Defects are then reported to the developer for repair.
Who is responsible for defects after handover?
Dubai law makes developers liable for structural defects for 10 years from the completion certificate and for defects in installations such as electrical and plumbing works for one year from handover. Your sale agreement may add further warranties.
How much is the DEWA deposit?
As reported in 2026, DEWA's refundable security deposit is AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa, plus small connection and registration fees. Confirm with DEWA when you apply.
How do I check my service charges?
Service charge budgets for jointly owned buildings are approved by RERA and published in the Dubai Land Department's service charge index, which you can search by project or title deed.
- Bayut: Dubai property handover, procedure, cost and checklist
- EGSH: Guide to the Dubai service charge index
- Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 on Escrow Accounts (Dubai Legislation Portal)
- Dubai Land Department: Register or renew an Ejari contract
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not financial, tax or legal advice.