Dubai Completion Certificate and Handover Notice: What South African Buyers Should Know
Got a Dubai handover notice? See what to check before the final payment, how to inspect the unit and how to plan the rand transfer.
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What a Dubai handover notice means for South African off-plan buyers, what to check before the final payment and how to plan it in rand.
South African Property Insights · Off-Plan Handover Dubai Completion Certificate and Handover Notice: What South African Buyers Should Know Your Dubai off-plan apartment is "nearly ready". The developer sends a handover notice, and a request for the final payment follows. For a South African buyer thousands of kilometres away, this is the point where mistakes are costly. This Banke South Africa guide explains what the completion step means, what to ask for before you pay, and how to plan the final payment in rand. The Short Answer Before you pay the final instalment, ask the developer for written confirmation that the building has been completed and is ready for handover, and check the amount against your contract. Then inspect the unit, or appoint someone to do it, and record any defects before you accept the keys. What the Handover Notice Usually Contains The date by which you must complete the final payment and handover steps. The outstanding balance, and any service charge, registration or other fees the developer says are due. A list of documents the developer needs from you. Information about how and when to inspect the unit. Compare every figure with your sale and purchase agreement. Question anything you cannot find in the contract. See our guide to key SPA clauses . Check the Unit Before You Accept It Do an inspection and write down every defect with photos. Our guide to snagging for South African buyers gives a checklist, and defects after handover explains what to do if problems appear later. Plan the Final Payment in Rand The final instalment is due in dirhams, but you earn and save in rand. The exchange rate on the day may differ from the one you assumed. Ask your bank how long an international transfer will take, what documents it needs for exchange control, and leave margin before the deadline. Our guide to sending rand to Dubai covers the basics. What If the Developer Is Late or the Unit Is Not Ready? If the building or the unit is not ready, ask in writing what is outstanding and when it will be finished. Do not pay the final instalment simply because you have been asked to. See off-plan handover delays for the options to consider and take advice before you act. After Handover Keep the handover paperwork, set up utilities and arrange insurance and management if you will not live there. When you are ready, contact the Banke South Africa team and we will help you plan the steps. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and procedures change, and we have not quoted figures that depend on the date, so confirm the current position with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you commit money.
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