New developments
How to arrange a property inspection after receiving notice of handover for a new development.
From developer notification, key collection and site entry, to quotations, declaring defects, and follow-ups, everything is explained in order. Handover dates and site entry arrangements are subject to the developer's notification.
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Handover arrangements
Six key arrangements
Each step specifies what needs to be confirmed and links to the relevant guide
01
Carefully read the developer's notification
The dates for processing formalities, key collection or unit entry times, and the channels and deadlines for reporting defect rectification may vary. Copy each item into the same schedule and rely on the notice you received.
Handover notifications and deadlines02
Confirm key collection and site entry
Confirm with the developer or management office when you can collect keys, if inspection staff can enter, and if there are requirements for registration, accompaniment, or specific time slots. For any unconfirmed items, please state this truthfully when making enquiries.
Site entry preparation03
Verify water and electricity supply and testing permissions
Whether water and electricity are connected, if provided appliances can be connected, and if a high-pressure water jet test can be conducted will all affect the inspection scope. Items that cannot be tested will be listed as limitations and should not be considered normal.
New property inspection scope04
Prepare for quotation enquiry
Provide the estate name, block number, saleable area, preferred date, and key collection arrangements. Quotations are calculated by area; dates and time slots are subject to formal booking confirmation.
Property Handover Checklist05
Organise and submit defect rectification requests
After receiving the digital report, submit it according to the developer's specified format and deadline, assigning one number per issue, requesting a receipt confirmation, and keeping a copy of your submission.
Filling out the defect rectification form06
Follow-up and reinspection
Record the status of every response and action taken; recheck each item in its original location after repairs are completed. We provide an impartial record, represent neither party, and do not guarantee repair results.
Defect rectification follow-up
Quote enquiry
Please provide the following when asking for a quote
- Estate name and block number
- Unit saleable area (sq. ft.)
- Preferred inspection date
- Whether key collection and site entry have been confirmed
- Whether water and electricity are connected
- Whether a high-pressure water jet test is required (subject to permission)
Service highlights
- Inspection and report items
- 15 items
- Typical time on-site
- Approx. 2 to 4 hours
- Fees
- HK$4.5 per sq. ft., with a minimum charge
- High-pressure water jet test
- Subject to permission, additional HK$200
- Report
- Digital report, no photos included
Actual dates, time slots, and inspection scope are subject to individual booking confirmation.
Report guide
What does the electronic report record and how to read it
The digital property inspection report does not include photos and is usually issued on the next working day. The report records the location of issues and inspection results. The following explains how to read it and use it for defect rectification follow-up.
Report content
- Problem location
- Inspection results
- Areas that could not be inspected or limitations
Scope of delivery
- Report does not include photos
- Not a structural safety certificate
- Does not represent a repair commitment from the developer or contractor
- 01
Check location first
Each record is described by room and specific location, such as which wall, which window, or which cabinet. First, match the location on the unit plan or your own list, then use the same terminology when following up.
- 02
Then check the inspection results
The results describe what was visible and accessible at the time of inspection. Understand the report based strictly on the wording used; do not self-infer causes or decide on repair methods. If you do not understand a description, note the page number and location, then ask us.
- 03
Note limitations
Areas where water or electricity were not connected, permission was not granted, access was blocked, or entry was impossible are considered areas that could not be inspected on the day and should not be treated as normal. Note these causes separately and identify which party needs to be consulted.
- 04
Keep the original file
Retain the original digital report as received without altering the content. The report does not include photos; owners may save photos they take themselves by issue number as a personal supplementary record.
- 05
Submit according to procedure
Submit the complete report and pending list through the channels and within the deadlines specified by the developer or contractor, and request receipt confirmation. Submitting the report does not mean the other party has agreed to each repair item.
- 06
Follow up and recheck item by item
Note the date and corresponding item for every response; after repairs, check the original location. Unfinished items should continue to be followed up using the original number. Professional reinspection is a separately charged service.
Further Reading
New property handover guide
New property inspection
When to arrange a new property inspection? Strategy for coordinating handover notification, key collection, and defect rectification deadlines
New property inspection
New property inspection guide: inspection scope, functional testing, and handover procedures
New property inspection
How to check a new property handover checklist? Note equipment, accessories, models and documents separately.
New property inspection
New property inspection: Differentiating between internal and external areas and management office follow-up arrangements.
New property inspection
Discrepancy between show flats and the actual unit? The key to distinguishing furnishings, handover information and site issues.
Property Handover Guide
Handover day process: A guide to the timeline from completing procedures and collecting keys to property inspection.
New Property Handover
Having received the notification from the estate, what are the next steps?
Provide the estate name, saleable area and handover date to check available booking slots.
