You have spent months—perhaps even years—researching, saving, and waiting. The
construction is finally complete, the scaffolding is down, and you have received the call you
have been waiting for: your apartment is ready.
Receiving the keys to your new home should be the most exciting part of the real estate journey.
However, because it involves final payments, legal paperwork, and technical inspections, it can
also feel overwhelming.
A transparent property handover process is the mark of a reliable developer. To help you
prepare, we have broken down exactly what to expect during the final stages of your property
purchase in Bangladesh, from the final walkthrough to real estate registration.
Step 1: The Pre-Handover Walkthrough (Inspection)
Before any legal documents are signed or keys are exchanged, you will be invited to inspect
your new apartment. This is not just a casual tour; it is a formal inspection to ensure the
property matches what was promised in your Deed of Agreement.
During this walkthrough, you should actively check the following:
● Measurements and Layout: Ensure the room dimensions and overall layout align with
the approved architectural plan.
● Fittings and Fixtures: Test the plumbing (flush toilets, run taps to check water
pressure), turn on light switches, and check the quality of doors, windows, and locks.
● Finishes: Look for any uneven floor tiles, incomplete paint jobs, or damp patches on the
walls.
If you find any minor defects, the developer will note them down in a “snagging list.” A reputable
developer will fix these issues at their own cost before the final handover.
Step 2: Clearing Final Financials and Utilities
Once you are satisfied with the physical state of the apartment, the next step involves settling
the final accounts.
● Final Installments: If you are on a payment plan, the final installment is usually paid
right before registration.
● Utility Connections: You will need to clear the fees for utility connections (such as
DESCO/DPDC for electricity, and WASA for water). Make sure to ask the developer for
the original payment receipts for these utility connections, as you will need them later.
● Service Charges: Many developers require an advance payment for building
maintenance or a contribution to the reserve fund of the future Flat Owners’ Association.
Step 3: Real Estate Registration and Legal Handover
This is the most critical phase for your long-term security. The physical keys mean very little
without the legal transfer of ownership. Real estate registration in Bangladesh involves
officially transferring the property title from the developer (and landowner) to your name.
Here is what happens during this stage:
● Sub-Registry Office: The registration takes place at the local Sub-Registry office
corresponding to the property’s location.
● Registration Costs: Be prepared to pay several government fees, which usually include
Stamp Duty, Registration Fee, Local Government Tax, and Advance Income Tax (AIT).
These are calculated as a percentage of the deed value.
● The Saf Kabla (Deed of Sale): Both parties will sign the Saf Kabla. Once registered,
you will receive a registration receipt (commonly called the ‘Balam’ receipt). The original
printed deed usually takes several months to be processed and delivered by the
government office, but the receipt acts as your legal proof of ownership in the meantime.
● Mutation: After registration, you must apply for mutation (Namjari) to update
government land records with your name. A good developer will guide you through this
process.
Step 4: Signing the Handover Document and Receiving
Your Keys
With the financials settled and the registration complete, it is time for the official handover.
You and the developer will sign a formal “Handover Certificate.” By signing this, you
acknowledge that you have received the property in good condition and assume responsibility
for it.
Along with your keys, you should receive a handover package that includes:
● Copies of the approved Rajuk plan.
● The layout of internal electrical wiring and plumbing lines (essential for future interior
design work).
● Warranty cards for any installed appliances or fixtures (like lifts, generators, or geysers).
● Contact information for the facility management team.
Step 5: Post-Handover and the Flat Owners’ Association
The developer’s job doesn’t completely end the moment they hand over the keys. In a
multi-family residential building, a Flat Owners’ Association (Welfare Society) must be formed to
manage the day-to-day operations, such as security, generator fueling, and common area
cleaning.
Usually, the developer manages the building for the first few months (the transition period)
before officially handing over the management responsibilities and the maintenance reserve
fund to the elected committee of flat owners.
The Dom-Inno Approach to Handovers
At Dom-Inno Developments, we believe the handover process should be a celebration, not a
chore. We pride ourselves on zero hidden costs and absolute transparency. Before you receive
your keys, our internal quality assurance team conducts a rigorous multi-point inspection of your
flat. During the legal phase, our dedicated legal and customer care teams walk you through the
real estate registration process step-by-step, ensuring your paperwork is bulletproof.
When you buy with Dom-Inno, you aren’t just getting an apartment; you are getting peace of
mind from day one.
