Ownership continues after title transfer
The title deed is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the purchase. The property must be inspected, documented, connected to utilities, maintained and—when purchased as an investment—prepared for the correct tenant market.
Handover inspection
Before accepting the property, inspect and record:
- Walls, floors, ceilings, windows and doors
- Plumbing, drainage, electricity and sockets
- Heating, cooling and ventilation
- Kitchen units, bathrooms and appliances
- Balconies, terraces, parking and storage
- Keys, access cards and common facilities
Create a written defect list and a dated photographic record. Note all meter readings and the condition of furniture and appliances included in the sale.
Off-plan delivery
Compare the completed unit with the contract plans, technical specifications, materials schedule, included appliances, promised facilities, parking, storage and delivery standard. Unfinished work or substitutions should be recorded before final acceptance.
Utility and administrative setup
- Electricity, water, natural gas and internet
- Registration with building or complex management
- Compulsory earthquake insurance
- Optional home, contents and liability insurance
- Local property and address-related procedures
Compulsory earthquake insurance must be valid for covered title transactions and is renewed annually. It does not replace comprehensive home or contents insurance.
Preparing the property for rent
Define the intended tenant before furnishing or advertising the property. Consider long-term use, furnished or unfurnished letting, the likely family or professional profile, durable furnishing, inventory records, deposit terms, building rules, maintenance response and tax obligations.
Rental projections should be based on realistic comparable leases and expected occupancy, not only advertised asking rents.
Tenant selection and move-in
- Identity and intended-occupancy confirmation
- Income, employment or suitable financial evidence
- References where appropriate
- Clear lease, deposit and payment terms
- Signed inventory and condition report
- Meter readings and key register
Tenant screening and data handling should comply with applicable law and privacy requirements.
Property management for remote owners
A management scope may cover rent collection, tenant communication, maintenance coordination, building-management contact, periodic inspections, utility monitoring, renewals, check-in and check-out, expense reporting and preparation for resale. Approval limits and emergency procedures should be agreed in writing.
Maintain a reserve
Owners should allow for appliance replacement, plumbing and electrical repairs, painting, unplanned common-area charges, vacancy, insurance deductibles and tenant-change costs. Gross rental income is not the same as net return.
Prepare for a future resale
Keep one organised ownership file containing title information, contracts, payment records, valuation reports, insurance policies, tax records, renovation invoices, warranties, leases and management reports. Good records make future legal review and resale more efficient.
Brand Invest after-purchase support
Brand Invest can coordinate handover, furnishing, rental preparation, property management and a future resale through one continuing relationship and an agreed service scope.
Official reference: DASK—compulsory earthquake insurance legislation.
