Receiving the keys to a new home is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting moments in the life of any buyer. After months of waiting and excitement, the day arrives when the house officially passes into your hands and you can start a new stage. However, this process involves a series of important steps that you should know to ensure that everything is properly formalized and that you can move in without any worries.
One of those key steps is signing the home handover document, an essential document that marks the beginning of your relationship with your new home. In this article, we explain what it entails, why it’s so important, and what you should keep in mind to get off to a good start.
What is the delivery certificate of a new home?
The property handover certificate, also known as the Welcome Pack, is a document certifying that the real estate developer has handed over the keys and documentation for the property to the buyer. Its main purpose is to confirm that the property is now available for use and that the handover has taken place under the terms agreed upon in the purchase agreement.
This document includes essential information such as:
- The identification data of buyer and seller.
- The date of delivery.
- Confirmation that keys and access controls are also delivered.
- The Cédula de habitabilidad or LPO, as applicable.
- Energy Efficiency Certificate.
- Bulletins for the contracting of supplies and contracting manual.
- As Built” plans of Architecture and Installations of the house.
- Letter of introduction from the Administrator of the Community of Owners.
- Warranty and After-Sales Service Document.
- Housing use and maintenance manual.
- A section reflecting observations or incidents, if any.
In short, it is a key document that compiles all the information related to when you first move into your home—a very important moment for both you and the developer.
The importance of this step in the sale and purchase process
Signing the handover document is not just a formality. Receiving the handover document or Welcome Pack makes it easier to use the home, keeps you informed as the owner, and enhances your experience.
For the developer, this document guarantees that the obligation to deliver the property under the agreed conditions has been fulfilled. For you, it means the peace of mind that everything is reflected in writing and that you can begin to live in and personalize your home, if you wish.
The day of delivery: what to expect
The handover of the property takes place at the time the public deed of sale is executed at the notary’s office.
At that time, the promoter:
- The keys to the house and the common areas are handed over.
- Facilitates garage door openers and other access elements.
- It makes available to the owner the associated documentation (such as installation user manuals or appliance and equipment warranties).
- Clarifies possible doubts related to the operation of the house or the community.
Previously, during the courtesy visit, you will have been able to take some time to walk around the house at your leisure and familiarize yourself with the spaces. An after-sales service technician accompanies this visit to explain the after-sales procedure and basic concepts of the operation of the home.
Home inspection: an essential step
Although a new home offers the guarantees of a newly built property, it is normal to pay attention to certain aspects during the handover inspection. The developer will accompany you on this tour and take note of any observations deemed necessary.
Some points to review are:
- Doors and windows: check that they open and close correctly.
- Water and electrical installations: check that taps, plugs and switches are working.
- Surfaces and finishes: check floors, walls and paint.
- Air conditioning systems: turn on the heating or air conditioning, if any.
In case of detecting any detail to check or any damage, you can indicate it in the document that we deliver at the time of delivery of the house and signing of the minutes. The promoter, with after-sales teams, manages this type of incidents to solve them in the shortest possible time.
Documentation accompanying the delivery report
In addition to the keys and the deed of transfer itself, as the buyer, You will also receive relevant documentation regarding the use and maintenance of the home:
- Information on materials, drawings and maintenance.
- Warranties for appliances, boilers or other installed equipment.
- Instructions for use of specific installations (home automation, air conditioning, etc.).
- Information related to the community of owners.
Having this documentation at hand is very useful to resolve doubts in the future and to keep all the guarantees.
The role of the warranty in a new home
One of the great advantages of buying a new building is that the house is covered by different warranty periods, established in the Building Law. These terms protect you against possible construction defects that may appear over time.
In general, the most relevant deadlines are:
- 1 year for finishing or completion.
- 3 years for construction elements that affect habitability.
- 10 years for structural defects.
These deadlines are counted from the date of signing the deed and deed of delivery, which reinforces the importance of this document as a starting point.
Tips for living with peace of mind from day one
Beyond the signature, there are some practical recommendations to help you enjoy your new home with confidence from the start:
- Keep all documentation (minutes, as-built drawings, bulletins, warranties) in a safe and accessible place.
- Familiarize yourself with the facilities: spend time getting to know how the air conditioning, electrical or security systems work.
- Contact the developer’s after-sales service if any doubt or incident arises.
- Participate in the community of owners: in developments with common areas, the first meeting is usually a key moment to organize the operation of the shared spaces.
- Personalize your home little by little, adapting the decoration and spaces to your lifestyle.
The handing-over certificate as the beginning of a new phase
In short, signing the handover document for a new home isn’t just a formal requirement— it’s the moment that marks the beginning of a new life in a space designed just for you and your family. Together with the deed of sale signed at the notary’s office, it represents the end of one phase (construction) and the beginning of another, full of excitement and plans.
By knowing what this document consists of, what aspects to review and what guarantees accompany it, you will be able to live the process with greater peace of mind and enjoy your new home from day one.
To continue discovering
If you want more tips on how to get organized and make the most of this special moment, we invite you to read our Guide to moving into your new home: tips and essential stepswhere you will find practical recommendations to make the experience of moving and adapting to your new home even easier and more gratifying.
