1. Confirm the appointment, access and contacts early
Once the handover date is foreseeable, put the unit, date, time and responsible contacts in writing. Also clarify the developer’s or building’s access rules for the walkthrough and later key collection.
If you cannot attend in Dubai, the question of representation belongs on the checklist early. The necessary authorisation depends on the specific process and parties involved. For DLD transactions, Dubai Land Department explains that powers of attorney issued outside the UAE must be formally ratified before they can be accepted.
2. Bring unit details, documents and open requirements together
Before the appointment, make a concise file containing your unit number, project name, purchase documents, developer communications, relevant payment information and contacts. This helps keep the walkthrough focused on the property rather than searching for information on the day.
Dubai REST gives owners access to a real-estate wallet and property-related services. It does not replace direct communication with the developer, but it can help organise available information and official services in one place.
3. Check project status separately from the handover process
For off-plan properties, the DLD Project Status (Mashrooi) function is available through Dubai REST. It is useful background information, but it does not automatically answer every question about your individual appointment, access or outstanding steps.
Keep the distinction clear: what is officially available on project status, what the developer has communicated about your unit, and what should be observed or documented during the on-site walkthrough?
4. Plan the walkthrough as a clear sequence
A structured walkthrough does not begin with a long defect list. Work room by room and record only visible observations within the agreed inspection scope. A clear location, a short description and a photograph where useful make later follow-up easier.
This documentation supports communication and prioritisation. It is not a technical root-cause analysis, expert report or legal assessment of possible claims. Use appropriately qualified specialists for those questions.
5. Turn observations into a manageable overview
After the appointment, a structured overview is more useful than an unsorted folder of photographs. Group recorded points by room or area and identify which query, review or coordination step may be needed next.
Not every observation has the same relevance. A clear order helps prevent important open items from being lost across emails and contacts. Material decisions, approvals and cost questions remain with the owner.
6. Define the next step after handover
After handover, decide who will continue each conversation and what update you want to receive. If the property will remain vacant, a clear transition to periodic property checks or local owner representation may be useful.
For off-plan cases, DLD describes a digital Oqood route for completing initial procedures. Whether and when that route applies to your unit depends on the contract, project status and procedure. Check the relevant information from the developer and responsible authorities.
The 10-point checklist before handover
- 1Confirm the handover appointment, unit number and responsible contacts in writing.
- 2Clarify access requirements and any required authorisation early.
- 3Organise available documents, communications and payment information.
- 4For off-plan properties, review available project-status information separately.
- 5Agree the inspection scope, attendance and desired documentation before the visit.
- 6Plan the walkthrough room by room and identify visible observations clearly.
- 7Keep photographs and notes traceable for later communication.
- 8Refer technical, legal or contractual questions to qualified specialists.
- 9Create a prioritised overview of open points after the appointment.
- 10Set the follow-up communications, approvals and next local contact route.