Oplevering

Oplevering is a Dutch term for the moment in which possession and responsibility for a property, project, or item are handed over from one party to another. It marks the transition from construction, development, or selling phases to the recipient taking control and use, and it often coincides with the start of warranty periods or maintenance obligations.

In construction and property development, oplevering is a formal handover after the work is completed. An opleveringsrapport (handover report) is commonly prepared to record any defects or incomplete works (gebreken) that must be remedied by the contractor. Acceptance of these items can trigger the release of final payments and the start of warranties or latent defect periods. The moment of oplevering also typically signals a transfer of risk from the builder to the client, subject to the contract terms.

In real estate transactions, oplevering refers to the buyer taking possession of the property. The transfer of ownership is usually effected by a notary, but the actual physical delivery and occupancy occur at the oplevering moment, sometimes with a date agreed in the purchase agreement. Any defects identified at delivery may affect conditions of the sale and subsequent repair obligations.

Beyond construction and real estate, oplevering can apply to the delivery of goods, IT projects, or services, where formal acceptance criteria and sign-off procedures determine whether the deliverable is deemed complete and ready for use. In all contexts, clear criteria for acceptance, defect handling, and risk transfer are central to a smooth oplevering.