Property handover inspection: create a condition record, not a ceremonial tour
A handover inspection should establish the condition of the property at the moment practical possession changes and distinguish pre-existing issues from later damage. Begin with the contract and specification: unit identity and area, finishes, included appliances or furniture, parking and storage, and promised handover date. For new property, also review the building-permit position and the yapı kullanma izin belgesi where applicable; the Ministry of Environment explains that building and occupancy permits are principally issued by the relevant local administration.
Carry out the inspection in good light and allow enough time. Test electrical supply, sockets and breakers; hot and cold water, pressure and drainage; heating or cooling; windows, doors and locks; floors, paint, cabinets and included appliances; and signs of damp or leakage. Run multiple taps, operate agreed equipment and photograph defects with a clear location reference. At balconies and wet areas, observe falls and drainage. A damp mark should be investigated rather than dismissed as something that will simply dry.
Check common elements that affect use of the unit
Handover does not stop at the apartment door. Verify access to allocated parking and storage, access cards, lifts, common lighting, intercom/security and meter locations. Record and photograph electricity, water and gas readings with the date to prevent later consumption disputes. Count keys, fobs and remote controls and state what remains outstanding.
Create a numbered snag list containing defect, location, photo, responsible party, target repair date and acceptance method. Do not sign a blanket “accepted without defects” statement while the list remains open. In qualifying consumer housing transactions, the Ministry of Trade explains statutory remedies for defective goods and special limitation treatment for residential or holiday-purpose immovables. Those protections depend on the contract and party status and should not be mechanically applied to every private resale.
Close handover only after verification
The handover record should identify date/time, attendees, keys, meter readings, documents and equipment delivered, outstanding defects and reservations. Attach the photographs or a stable reference to them and preserve version history. After repair, re-inspect the affected item and close it with a date rather than relying on a phone message. A structural, safety or permit/design discrepancy should be escalated beyond a cosmetic snag. Used this way, handover creates a baseline that protects both sides and prevents every later defect becoming a dispute about when it arose.
Turn each snag into a closable obligation
A note such as “bathroom problem” is not enough. Give each snag a number, location, photograph, responsible party, target date and acceptance test. Record utility meter readings, keys, access cards and delivered equipment so that use before and after possession can be separated. Re-test the same item after repair and close it with a date and new evidence. Structural, safety or permit/design discrepancies should be escalated rather than closed as cosmetic defects. Consumer defect remedies apply only when the transaction and parties fall within the relevant consumer regime, not automatically to every private resale.