Handover of a property: points to check with an expert

Buying a property is often the investment of a lifetime. Whether it is a new-build or a recently renovated home, the handover (réception) of the property is a crucial stage. It is the moment when you check that the delivered home complies with the contract, with no defective work or apparent defects. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, being accompanied by a building expert is strongly recommended.

Why call in an expert for the handover of a property?

The expert acts as a neutral third party with solid technical knowledge of buildings. They can identify construction defects, non-compliant finishes and any defective work, and advise you on which reservations to record.

Here are some concrete benefits:

• Rigorous assessment of the property's condition
• Identification of discrepancies against the contract or specifications
• Precise wording of reservations to be recorded in the handover report
• Assessment of the severity of the defects found
• Advice on next steps (lifting of reservations, further expert assessment, etc.)

What should be checked when taking handover of a property?

Even though every home is unique, certain elements should always be checked:

1. The general condition of the building

• Façades, walls, floors, ceilings: cracks, damp, poor flatness
• Condition of joinery, glazing, interior and exterior doors
• Compliance of finishes (tiling, flooring, paintwork)

2. Technical equipment

• Operation of the heating, mechanical ventilation, plumbing and electrics
• Presence of safety devices (smoke detectors, circuit breakers)
• Compliance of installations with current standards

3. The exterior (where applicable)

• Terrace, balcony, garden: water drainage, stability, finishes
• Fences, gates, access

4. The documents provided

• Plans, technical data sheets, handover report, guarantees

Reservations and guarantees: what you need to know

If defects are found, you have the right to record reservations in the handover report. The contractor will then have to correct the defects within an agreed timeframe. In addition, you benefit from several statutory guarantees, such as the garantie de parfait achèvement (guarantee of perfect completion), the garantie biennale (two-year guarantee) or the garantie décennale (ten-year structural guarantee).

Conclusion: secure your property purchase

Being assisted by an expert at the time of handover allows you to defend your rights and avoid future costs linked to unforeseen works. It is a preventive step that also gives you a solid lever in the event of a dispute.

If you are about to buy a property or take its handover, our team supports you throughout Luxembourg with rigour and transparency.

You can also find listings and practical advice for your property purchases on Nextimmo.lu.