Handover and vacating
At handover the property actually passes into your hands. This checklist secures condition, meter readings and keys and records what is still open.
Handover is the moment you take possession and responsibility. From then on you generally bear the risk of accidental damage and the running costs. A clean handover protocol secures your evidence if the condition is later disputed.
This checklist is a guide and does not replace an assessment of the individual case. It helps you prepare and carry out the handover in a structured way.
Work through the points on the handover day. You can tick off each point; the status is stored on your device. Use the buttons to print or reset the list.
0 of 12 points done
01 Prepare the handover appointment
Clarify in advance that payment and ownership are secured.
02 Record condition and meter readings
Document the actual condition as precisely as possible.
03 Handover, vacating and keys
At the end come full vacating and key handover.
What matters legally
With handover the risk generally passes to the buyer: from that point she bears the risk of accidental damage (cf. §§ 1048 et seq. Austrian Civil Code). Benefits and burdens of the property also usually pass at handover unless the contract provides otherwise.
Visible defects should be recorded in the protocol, otherwise the seller may later argue they arose afterwards. Hidden defects remain within the warranty period. If the property is not vacated in time, an action for eviction may become necessary. The details depend on the contract and the individual case.
This checklist is a general guide to the Austrian legal position (as of June 2026) and makes no claim to completeness or legal certainty. It does not replace advice in the individual case and is not a finished legal document.
BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte
Salzburg law firm for real estate, property and corporate law
Every matter is handled by a coordinated team of lawyers, legal staff and specialists. In property purchase matters we look at the contract, land register, escrow and tax consequences together.
Reviewing a contract, arranging escrow, securing handover?
When buying property, the contract and the land register decide. Call us directly or send an email, callback within one business day.
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BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte GmbH Giselakai 51 5020 Salzburg
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