Handover day... the Landmark way

After months of planning, decision-making, and anticipation, the day you move into your new home marks a major milestone. At Landmark, that moment is treated with the same care and attention as every stage that came before it. 

Landmark is known for thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, but just as much care goes into what happens at the very end. The handover is not just about handing over the keys. It is about making sure every detail has been considered, every finish checked, and everything is ready for life to begin.

So what does a new home handover involve, and how does Landmark Homes help make sure it all goes smoothly? New Homes Consultant Nikki Jones shares more about the process.

As the final stages of a new home build approach, the excitement starts to build. At the same time, there is often a growing list of practical tasks to take care of before move-in day. 

That preparation starts well in advance with a checklist that covers all the finer details.

“One of the most important is sorting house and contents insurance,” says Nikki. “Insurance can take a little while to arrange, so we always flag it early.”

This ties into a key milestone known as practical completion. This is the stage when the home is considered ready and the final invoice can be issued. From that point, insurance responsibility shifts from Landmark to the homeowner, which is why getting the right cover in place ahead of time is so important.

Another item that needs early attention is internet setup. Fibre connections can take several weeks to arrange, particularly in new developments or rural areas.

“No one wants to arrive in their new home without Wi-Fi and internet access,” says Nikki. “We let clients know early and help guide them through what needs to happen, based on the provider they choose.”

In the final weeks before handover, attention turns to finishing details and making sure everything in the home is exactly as it should be. This stage is not just about ticking boxes. It is a hands-on process that gives clients a chance to walk through their nearly completed home and raise any final questions or observations.

The walkthrough is usually done with the project manager, construction manager, or another member of the Landmark team. Together with the client, they check each room, fixture, and fitting, making note of anything that needs adjustment. Whether it is a small paint touch-up or a hardware tweak, this shared review helps ensure that everything is resolved before move-in.

“We always want to give clients the chance to flag anything they have noticed,” says Nikki. “It might be something small like a scratch or a mark they want looked at, but the walkthrough is a really important step to make sure everything is right before handover.”

For rural builds, there are a few extra considerations. For example, if a home relies on tank water, Landmark makes sure tanks are full and that hot water is running before handover. Septic systems are checked and confirmed operational.

One area that can catch homeowners off guard is the financial and legal side of handover. In particular, the timing of final payments and insurance often depends on the requirements of individual banks and lenders.

Landmark works closely with clients to help them understand these requirements early in the process. In most cases, handover can take place once practical completion has been reached and the final invoice has been paid. However, some banks will only release that final payment once the Code of Compliance Certificate (CCC) has been issued. This can add unexpected delays, as councils may take up to 20 working days to process the paperwork once submitted.

The same can apply to insurance. While some providers accept practical completion as a trigger for cover, others require the CCC as well. These are important details that can affect move-in timing, particularly for clients who are also paying rent or temporary accommodation costs while they wait.

“Understanding these scenarios in advance means clients have time to explore options or have the right conversations with their lender or insurer,” says Nikki. 

Landmark’s commitment to its clients continues well after move-in day. Ongoing support is a key part of the experience, and it starts with providing the right tools to help homeowners feel informed and in control.

One of those tools is GTEE, an online platform that helps clients manage the details and care of their new home. 

GTEE keeps a complete record of the products used throughout the build, from appliances and tapware to paint colours and flooring choices. 

“It’s a great one-stop shop,” says Nikki. “Clients can log in and find their colour codes, appliance details, and anything else they might need down the track.”

GTEE also supports long-term upkeep. It includes reminders for routine maintenance tasks that are important for protecting warranties. For example, if a garage door needs to be cleaned once a year as part of its warranty, GTEE will send a reminder when it’s due.

In addition to GTEE, Landmark offers a 12-month follow-up service. While many builders only provide a three-month check-in, Landmark returns after a full year to complete another walkthrough with the client. This allows time for the home to go through a full seasonal cycle and for any minor issues to become visible.

Common adjustments at this stage might include small cracks in the gib or internal doors that need realigning. In many cases, there is nothing to fix, but the visit is still a valuable opportunity to reconnect and ensure the home is performing as expected.

For Landmark, quality is not just something that is measured in materials or finishes. It is reflected in the experience, in the care shown to clients, and in the way every detail is planned and delivered.

The handover process is a continuation of that approach. It is personal, well organised, and designed to give every homeowner confidence not just for move-in day, but for the years ahead. 

Dreaming of your own handover day? Take the first step and contact your local Landmark Homes team today.