If you have purchased an off-plan property (also known as a sale of future completed construction),  signing the reservation agreement and sale contract is only the first step. Many months will pass before the development is ready for completion.

Upon the completion of construction, the developer will invite you to a handover meeting, where you will take possession of the property. This formal act is legally significant.

At this stage, it is crucial to inspect the property thoroughly, ensuring its compliance with the contract and its technical annexes, as well as checking the general construction quality and functionality of equipment.

The importance of this inspection is increased by the French Civil Code, which stipulates that the developer is released from liability for construction defects or apparent non-conformities if no reservations are reported at handover or within one month thereafter.

In the excitement of the moment and the frequent hurry of the developer swift pace, the handover is often rushed and superficial, potentially forfeiting your future claims. Ensuring you are accompanied by an independent professional with a keen eye, who can prepare a detailed handover report, will save you future complications and costs.

Additional site visits, such as partition inspections or pre-delivery checks, can also be scheduled to monitor progress, assess compliance, and set the groundwork for final delivery.

Having invested substantial funds in your new property, ensure you don’t regret your purchase early on – rely on our expertise and diligence!