How Unitify helps developers manage apartment inspections and handovers
93% of new-build buyers reported at least one problem to their builder after moving in, according to the UK Home Builders Federation’s 2026 survey. Following up on defects is a routine part of handing over new homes. But logging issues, coordinating repairs and chasing updates can drag on for weeks, taking up time for developers, contractors, property managers and residents alike. Home Builders Federation (2026).
We added an apartment handover checklist in Unitify to make that work easier and faster. Teams can record inspection results on site, track defects through repair and document what was handed over when residents receive their keys.
From paper forms to real-time inspections
We tested Unitify with a residential developer while the project was still being prepared for handover. The team used to fill in inspection forms on paper, then transfer the results to spreadsheets. With Unitify, inspectors record each result in real time with a tap. If a check fails, they can photograph the issue and add a description directly in the checklist.
For example, if a window handle needs adjusting, the inspector can mark the check as failed and attach a photo and a short note. The team coordinating the repair can see what needs attention as soon as the inspector records it.
What the developer found before handover
With 95 apartment inspections still underway, the team had already flagged problems with window handles and fittings in 94 apartments and with entrance door locks and latches in 92.
When the same check fails across dozens of apartments, the developer can review the pattern with the contractor while there’s still time to act before handover. The inspection data also helps the team assess contractor performance and decide what to check earlier on the next project.
Giving residents a reason to use the app from day one
On handover day, the checklist records what was handed over, the opening meter readings and who signed off. Every defect found during inspection gets its own ticket, so residents can follow each repair in the app after they receive their keys.
That gives residents a practical reason to open the app from day one. They can see which issues the property management team has acknowledged, what’s being fixed and where to find updates. Making that progress visible from the start sets the tone for how the team communicates and helps build trust with residents.