The last step in the process of buying a property is the transfer of its possession, the handover, as it is most commonly referred to ‘the handover of keys’. However, ‘handover’ is not only the handover of keys to the apartment.
Though this is truly an important moment, but there are many other things the new owner has to deal with.
No need to be scared, this procedure is quick and easy to perform. All you should do is to follow this list below:

The 1st Secret of Professional Handover – KEYS

Always request the keys to the apartment from the seller, even if you have already decided on replacing the locks.

The 2nd Secret of Professional Handover – PUBLIC UTILITIES

At the time of the handover, a Record of Handover should be signed by both parties containing the serial numbers and current consumption data read from the utility meters.
All costs incurred until the day of the handover are to be borne by the seller and all cost incurred after signing the Record of Handover are to be borne by the buyer.

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Once the above points are done, you need to start the official procedure of getting the utility meters registered under your name. Mostly it is done by going to the office of the service provider together with the seller, where the seller pays for the consumption shown in the Record of Handover and the buyer make the meters registered. This method is considered to be the safest for both parties, since there will be no utility debt and from the point of registering the meters under the buyer’s name, the seller will not receive more bills from the service provider.

The following documents are usually needed for this procedure:
● purchase contract
● record of handover
● certificate of ownership
● specific form from the service provider to start the procedure
● personal identification documents

Note: Some service providers may request other documents as well. Make sure to check with your service provider before going to the office personally.

The 3rd Secret of Professional Handover – DOCUMENTS

The new owner is entitled to receive all the documents related to the property like:
● deed of foundation of a condominium
● licensing documentation
● warranty card

The 4th Secret to Professional Handover – MOVING OUT

The seller has to move out by the day of the handover, namely to completely vacate the apartment. In the case of having a previous agreement with the seller that certain belongings (e.g.: furniture, fridge etc) are to remain in the apartment, then check to see if this has actually been done.

The 5th Secret of Professional Handover – Check-Out

Request proof from the seller that everyone has been checked out of the apartment and there is no company that is entitled to use the property as their headquarters. There is nothing more annoying than having your mailbox full of letters addressed to the previous resident.