The Investor’s New Build Guide to Maximize Your Return
When you’re handed the keys to a newly completed property, the stakes are high, especially when it’s an investment. Delays, unfinished work, or overlooked defects can directly impact the return on your newest investment.
Our New Build Handover Service safeguards your asset from day one. We ensure every detail is completed, verified, and documented before settlement, reducing costly post-handover issues and protecting rental or resale timelines. By liaising directly with the builder, site supervisor, and trades, we remove the operational headaches so you can focus on maximising your yield and capital growth.
Here’s what’s covered in our investor focused checklist:
1. Landscaping
Presentation matters, and landscaping is the finishing touch that can transform a “just-built” property into a home. We check whether landscaping is in your contract and if not, we can arrange quotes from trusted local contractors to have this carried out.
A neat, landscaped yard can also boost your rental return attracting more potential applicants and attract higher-quality tenants.
2. Final Handover Inspection – The Last Quality Check
The final handover inspection is your opportunity to make sure the property is finished to the standard you paid for. We attend this inspection with a sharp eye for detail, working alongside the inspector or builder’s supervisor to check:
- Paintwork, flooring, and cabinetry
- Plumbing, taps, and fixtures
- Doors, windows, and locks
- Appliances and electrical fittings
- Any signs of damage or defects
If anything is missing or not up to standard, we raise it on the spot so it can be rectified before handover is complete. This proactive approach helps you avoid costly and time-consuming repairs later.
3. The “Small” Details That Make a Big Difference
You’d be surprised how many new build handovers happen without simple essentials in place and how much of a headache it can cause for owners and tenants. We make sure:
- Fencing is installed — and if it isn’t, we confirm the exact date it will be done so there are no surprises.
- Letterbox is in place — so your property is postal-ready from day one.
- Numbers for your house – Because you want it to be found
- Clothesline is installed — because who doesn’t nee a clothesline
- Dishwasher installed or connected – Too many times we have seen them installed but not connected
These may seem like small things, but they’re often the first details tenants notice. We make sure they’re ticked off early so your property is move-in ready without delays.
4. Professional Photography – Ready to Market Immediately
Timing is everything in real estate. As part of our process, we request permission from the builder or site supervisor to arrange professional photography before handover or at the final practical completion inspection, which is another great reason for us to attend, even if you have paid a building inspector.
5. Marketing the Property to reduce vacancy
Because your new build is an investment, our priority is to minimise vacancy and start generating rental income immediately. With professional photos taken in advance, we obtain builder approval to begin marketing the property approx. one week before key handover. This means that by the time you receive the keys, we’ve already scheduled a home open with prospective tenants lined up for day one.
6. Organising Your New Bin Service
A brand-new home doesn’t automatically come with council bins and tenants can’t move in without them. We organise your new bin service with the local shire so waste management is in place from day one. It’s one less thing for you to think about and prevents any tenant frustration.
7. Compliance Certificates & Manuals
From smoke alarms to energy efficiency ratings, compliance paperwork is not optional.
We ensure the builder sends all compliance certificates, appliance manuals, and the tenant maintenance form (to be used during the warranty period). Keeping these documents on file protects you legally and helps resolve maintenance queries faster.
8. Key Collection & Secure Storage
We coordinate key pickup with the builder and securely store spare sets at our office. This ensures keys are never misplaced and access can be arranged quickly for trades or inspections.
9. Additional Support You Might Not Expect
Beyond the standard checklist, our team can also:
- Coordinate cleaning if construction dust or debris remains after the builder’s clean.
- Arrange window coverings (if not included in the build) to ensure privacy and tenant readiness.
- Check utilities are connected or arrange connection so marketing and inspections run smoothly.
- Verify water meters & readings to avoid billing disputes later.
- Document the property condition with photos and notes before tenants move in.
These extra steps mean you can focus on your investment returns while we handle the groundwork.
Download Our New Build Checklist
Stepping into your brand-new investment property should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Our Investor’s New Build Guide: Handover Checklist takes the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on maximising returns and attracting quality tenants faster. This guide ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Download your copy today and hand over your property with total confidence.
The Bottom Line
A smooth handover isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about making sure your property is truly ready for tenants from day one.
By managing every detail, we help you:
- Avoid costly delays in rental income
- Maintain the property’s condition from the start
- Protect yourself legally and financially
At Centurion Real Estate, we don’t just manage new build handovers, we perfect them. We know what it takes to turn a newly built property into a high-performing investment from the very start.
Talk to our local team today and discover how we can make your next property handover effortless — so you can start seeing returns sooner.
Your keys to a seamless start are already within reach.
Ready to make your investment work smarter for you?
Reach out to Justine Valender and the Centurion team — and let’s map out your next move.