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Handover Inspection

Bauabnahme & Vorabnahme

from €650

A Bauabnahme is the formal handover inspection of a newly built property in Germany. It is the legal moment when ownership of defects transfers from the developer to the buyer—once you sign the Abnahmeprotokoll, the burden of proof for any construction defects shifts to you. A Vorabnahme is a pre-acceptance walk-through conducted before the official handover, giving you a chance to flag issues while the developer is still obligated to fix them. For expat buyers in Berlin purchasing a Neubau, having an independent Bausachverständiger attend both inspections is essential—the developer's project manager is not on your team.

What's Included

✓ Vorabnahme (pre-acceptance walk-through)
✓ Bauabnahme (final handover inspection)
✓ Check against specification (Baubeschreibung)
✓ Compliance with building codes
✓ Written defect list (Mängelliste)
✓ Photo documentation
✓ Attendance at handover meeting with developer

Why It Matters

Developers often rush handovers. Common issues we catch: unfinished finishes, drainage problems, insulation gaps, electrical defects, and items not matching the Baubeschreibung. Average savings per handover inspection: €4,000–8,000 in defect remediation.

Enhance Your Handover Inspection

3D Polycam Scan
+€200
Interactive 3D walkthrough of the property. Shareable with family, advisors, or architects abroad.
Thermal Imaging Report
+€150
Dedicated FLIR report showing heat loss, insulation gaps, and hidden moisture—included as a separate PDF chapter.
Document Follow-up
+€99
30-min video call after your report to walk through findings, answer questions, and plan next steps.
Book Handover Inspection →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Vorabnahme and a Bauabnahme?+
A Vorabnahme is a pre-acceptance walk-through that happens before the official handover date. It lets you identify and document defects while the developer is still contractually obligated to fix them at no cost. The Bauabnahme is the formal final inspection and legal handover—once you sign the Abnahmeprotokoll, any undocumented defects become your responsibility to prove and fix.
Do I need an independent inspector for a Neubau handover in Berlin?+
Strongly recommended. Developers often rush handovers and present a long Abnahmeprotokoll under time pressure. An independent Bausachverständiger checks the property against the Baubeschreibung (building specification), documents every defect with photos, and ensures nothing gets signed off until issues are resolved. Average savings: €4,000–8,000 in defect remediation.
What defects are commonly found during a Bauabnahme?+
Common findings include: unfinished surface finishes (paint, tiles, flooring), drainage and waterproofing defects, insulation gaps visible on thermal imaging, electrical wiring issues, items not matching the Baubeschreibung specification, door and window fitting problems, and incomplete outdoor areas or balconies.
How much does a handover inspection cost in Berlin?+
Our handover inspection service starts from €650 and covers both the Vorabnahme and Bauabnahme. The cost depends on property size and complexity. Given that the average defect remediation value is €4,000–8,000, the inspection typically pays for itself many times over.
Case Study: Bauabnahme

Case study coming soon—we're documenting a recent handover inspection project in Berlin.

View Charlottenburg case study →
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