The Must-Know Home Handover Process! A Comprehensive Guide from Home Inspection to Handover

Pre-sale properties have always been a popular choice for homebuyers looking to purchase a new home. However, many people still consider hiring a professional home inspection company an unnecessary expense. In reality, a home inspection plays a crucial role in the pre-sale home handover process.

From the handover process, conducting the home inspection, completing the mortgage procedures with the bank, to the property ownership transfer process, there are many details that require careful attention. If the home inspection process is overlooked, any future property issues may require homeowners to spend additional time and money to resolve them.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the pre-sale home handover process, helping both buyers and sellers complete the handover smoothly and allowing homeowners to move into their new homes with peace of mind.
Below are the correct steps and key reminders to follow once the developer notifies the homeowner that the property is ready for handover.

Step 1: After Obtaining the Occupancy Permit, the Developer Notifies the Homeowner to Conduct a Home Inspection
As the property nears completion, the developer can only notify the homeowner to conduct a home inspection after obtaining the occupancy permit and completing the water and electricity connections.
The standard pre-sale property purchase agreement also clearly stipulates that the developer must notify the homeowner to complete the handover within six months after obtaining the occupancy permit, ensuring that the homeowner’s rights are protected.
Therefore, homeowners are advised to schedule a professional home inspection as early as possible to make the subsequent handover process more secure.

Step 2: After the Initial Inspection Confirms No Major Defects, the Bank Proceeds with the Mortgage Procedures
When homeowners appoint a home inspection company to conduct the initial inspection, the developer will typically require homeowners to complete the bank’s mortgage procedures at the same time. This allows the bank to complete the first mortgage disbursement after the initial inspection confirms that there are no major defects.
During the property inspection, homeowners are also encouraged to inspect the property together with the home inspection company and renovation contractor. This allows most defects to be identified in a single inspection and enables immediate communication with the developer regarding subsequent repairs.
As a result, the inspection process becomes more efficient and effective, helping to prevent delays in the property ownership transfer process caused by repeated follow-up inspections.

Step 3: Mortgage Disbursement and Follow-Up Inspection
Once the initial inspection confirms that there are no major defects, the bank will notify the homeowner regarding the mortgage disbursement, which is approximately 80% of the total property price.
The bank’s mortgage procedures are generally processed for the entire development as a batch and will not be suspended due to inspection issues involving an individual unit. When other homeowners begin the property ownership transfer process, the developer will request the bank to release the funds. The bank will then confirm whether the homeowner agrees to proceed with the disbursement. Once the homeowner agrees, mortgage interest will begin to accrue.
However, if the property has not been repaired to the homeowner’s satisfaction during the follow-up inspection, additional inspections (usually a second or third inspection) may be required. In such cases, homeowners may claim the right to withhold the Handover Retention Fee specified in the standard pre-sale property purchase agreement, encouraging the developer to complete the required repairs.
According to the Handover Retention Clause, homeowners may withhold a portion of the payment (typically 5%) as a retention fee. This handover retention fee is also one of the strongest negotiation tools available to homeowners when requesting the developer to complete repairs.
Therefore, homeowners should confirm the repair status with the home inspection company before agreeing to proceed with the mortgage disbursement process.

Step 4: Property Ownership Transfer and Home Handover
Once the follow-up inspection and repairs have been completed and confirmed to have no issues, the bank will release the remaining payment to the developer after receiving approval.
At this stage, the developer will also complete the transfer of property ownership to the homeowner. After the handover, homeowners should confirm whether they have received the property ownership certificate to avoid potential ownership disputes.
Hire a Professional and Experienced Home Inspection Company to Reduce the Burden of the Handover Process
As a professional home inspection company, HT Life uses non-destructive testing equipment to make home inspection services more comprehensive with no blind spots.
In addition to an experienced inspection team, HT Life provides customized explanations based on each homeowner’s needs throughout the inspection process when homeowners are present.
Homeowners are welcome to ask our professional team any questions they may have during the inspection process and receive answers from our professional team.