The key handover is the official moment when you, as the buyer, receive the keys to your new home — immediately after signing the deed of transfer at the notary’s office. At that point, you become the legal owner of the property. The entire process takes an average of thirty minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the situation. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the key handover, so you know exactly what to expect.
What happens at the notary’s office during the transfer?
At the notary’s office, you sign the deed of transfer, which officially passes ownership of the property from the seller to you as the buyer. At the same time, the mortgage deed is signed if you have taken out a loan. The notary verifies all documents, ensures the purchase price is transferred, and registers the deed with the Land Registry.
The meeting at the notary’s office generally follows a set sequence:
- Identity verification: The notary checks the identification documents of both the buyer and the seller.
- Review of the deed of transfer: The notary reads out the key passages and explains what you are signing.
- Signing the mortgage deed: If you have a mortgage, you also sign this deed at the same appointment.
- Financial settlement: The notary processes the purchase price, pays out the seller, and settles any costs such as transfer tax and notary fees.
- Land Registry registration: After signing, the notary submits the deed digitally to the Land Registry, after which you are officially the owner.
Only once all of this has been completed does the seller hand over the keys. That is the moment you take actual possession of the property.
What documents do you need for the key handover?
For the key handover at the notary’s office, you will need at minimum a valid form of identification, such as a passport or identity card. You also need to ensure that the purchase price is in the notary’s client account in good time, so that the financial settlement can proceed smoothly.
Depending on your situation, the following documents may also be relevant:
- Bank guarantee or proof of deposit: This is arranged earlier in the purchase process, but the notary needs confirmation of it.
- Mortgage offer or loan agreement: The notary uses this to draw up the mortgage deed.
- Purchase agreement: This is the previously signed contract that serves as the basis for the deed of transfer.
- Power of attorney, if applicable: If you authorize someone else to sign on your behalf, you will need a notarially recorded power of attorney.
It is advisable to check with the notary in advance which documents are specifically required for your transfer. This way, you avoid any surprises on the day itself.
What is the final inspection and when does it take place?
The final inspection is a last check of the property that takes place just before the transfer at the notary’s office, typically on the morning of the transfer day itself. During this inspection, you and the seller go through the property together to verify that it is in the agreed condition and that everything included in the purchase agreement is present.
During the final inspection, you check, among other things:
- Are all the movable items that were purchased with the property present, such as curtains, white goods, or a central heating boiler?
- Has the property been delivered empty and clean, as agreed?
- Are there any new damages that were not there before?
- Are the meter readings and connections working correctly?
Record the gas, water, and electricity meter readings during the final inspection. You will need these to transfer the utilities into your name. If you notice any defects during the inspection, discuss them with the seller directly before heading to the notary’s office. Once the deed of transfer has been signed, the transfer is final.
How long does a key handover at the notary’s office take?
A key handover at the notary’s office takes an average of between thirty minutes and one hour. The exact duration depends on the number of deeds being signed, the complexity of the financing, and whether there are any questions that need to be answered on the spot.
If you are signing a mortgage deed in addition to the deed of transfer, the appointment will take a little longer. The notary takes the time to go through and explain both deeds. In straightforward cases, where everything has been well prepared and there are no outstanding questions, the transfer can be completed in under thirty minutes.
Make sure to allow enough time after the notary appointment for the move itself. Although the transfer is relatively quick, you will want to be ready to get started straight away with setting up your home, submitting meter readings, and taking care of any practical matters.
When do you receive the keys to your new home?
You receive the keys to your new home immediately after signing the deed of transfer at the notary’s office, once the notary has confirmed that the purchase price has been received and the deed has been registered with the Land Registry. Only at that point are you officially the owner and may the seller hand over the keys.
In practice, the key handover therefore takes place at the end of the notary appointment. The seller brings the keys to the notary’s office, or arranges to hand them over to you directly afterwards. Make sure you know how many keys there are, and also ask about any other means of access, such as a remote control for the garage or a key to a communal area.
If the notary is not yet able to immediately confirm the Land Registry registration, there may be a brief wait. In most cases, this is only a matter of minutes.
What are common mistakes made during the key handover?
The most common mistake during the key handover is that the purchase price is not in the notary’s account on time. If the funds have not been transferred in time, the transfer cannot proceed on the planned date. Make sure you consult your bank well in advance about transfer processing times.
Other mistakes that occur regularly:
- Skipping the final inspection: Many buyers assume the final inspection is not necessary. However, it is the only opportunity to raise any defects before the transfer becomes final.
- Failing to record meter readings: Without the correct meter readings, you cannot properly transfer the utilities into your name, which can lead to confusion or additional costs later on.
- Not checking which items are being left behind: During the final inspection, verify that everything listed as “included” in the purchase agreement is actually present.
- Forgetting to arrange a power of attorney: If you cannot be present at the notary’s office yourself, you will need a notarial power of attorney arranged well in advance. This is not something you can sort out at the last minute.
- Not accounting for additional costs: Transfer tax, notary fees, and any settlement amounts must all be available on the day of the transfer.
By checking these points in advance, you avoid unnecessary stress on what is already a busy day.
How we help you with the sale and transfer of your property
The key handover is the final step in a sales process that requires a great deal of preparation. At Urban Homies, we guide you as your selling agent through the entire process, from property valuation and marketing strategy to the final signing at the notary’s office.
What you can expect from us:
- A realistic property valuation based on current market conditions
- Professional photography and a tailor-made listing
- Support during negotiations and drafting the purchase agreement
- Practical assistance during the final inspection and the transfer at the notary’s office
- After-sales support following the transfer, to ensure a smooth conclusion
Would you like to sell your property and find out what we can do for you? Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation.
