Receiving the keys to your new home in Playa del Carmen is a major milestone. Whether this is your full-time residence, vacation property, or investment rental, the handover represents the beginning of a new chapter—but not the end of the process.

There are still important steps to take to ensure your property is delivered in the condition promised, that all necessary documentation is in order, and that you’re prepared to manage your new home with confidence. Here’s what to expect—and what to do—after you get the keys.

The Final Handover: What to Check Before Accepting the Keys

Before signing off on the final handover, it’s important to walk through the property carefully and make sure everything matches what was agreed upon during your purchase process. Don’t rush this step, even if everything looks beautiful at first glance.

Use the following checklist to guide your walkthrough:

Confirm all lights, fans, and outlets are functioning properly. Bring a phone charger or small appliance to test.
Test each faucet and shower for water pressure and hot water. Flush toilets and check for leaks under sinks.
Open and close every door, window, and sliding panel. Ensure that screens, locks, and tracks are in good condition.
Inspect kitchen appliances if included in the sale. Make sure they’re installed correctly and fully operational.
Check that air conditioning units turn on and cool properly in each space.
Look for signs of moisture, mold, or poor ventilation, especially in closets and bathrooms.
Examine finishes and fixtures. Are walls properly painted? Are tiles well installed? Any chips, cracks, or loose fittings?

Once you’ve walked through the full property, take note of any issues that require correction. Bring these up with your developer, seller, or agent before signing the final acceptance of delivery. If there are minor pending items, you may agree to a timeline for completion—but be sure to document everything in writing.

Reviewing the Final Handover Documents

Once the physical inspection is complete, you’ll receive your final handover package. These documents formalize the transfer of possession and ensure you have everything you need to manage your new home.

Typically, the handover package includes:

Physical keys for your front door and any gated access points
Electronic fobs or access codes for building amenities such as pools, gyms, elevators, or parking garages
Manuals or warranties for appliances and systems
Contact information for the homeowners association (HOA) or building administrator
A delivery report or checklist, signed by both parties, confirming the condition of the property at the time of handover

Be sure to keep both digital and printed copies of these documents for your records. If you are working with a property manager, make sure they also have access to this information.

If You Find Problems After Handover

Even after a careful walkthrough, some issues may only become apparent after you’ve spent a few days in the home. For example, you might notice a leak after the first rain or a faulty appliance after your first week of use.

If the home is part of a new development, it’s common for the builder to offer a limited warranty period—often six to twelve months—during which they’ll correct construction defects. You should:

Notify your developer or seller in writing as soon as an issue is discovered.
Include photos or videos to document the problem clearly.
Request confirmation of the timeline for inspection or resolution.

For resale properties, your ability to request repairs post-handover will depend on what was agreed to in your contract. This is why a thorough inspection before closing is so important. However, in cases where a serious issue arises unexpectedly and in bad faith, legal recourse may still be available. Your real estate agent can guide you toward trusted legal support if necessary.

Setting Up Utilities and Services

Once you’ve taken possession of your home, it’s time to get the essentials up and running. If utilities are not yet in your name, this should be one of your first administrative tasks.

In Playa del Carmen, key utilities include:

Electricity (CFE) – You can set up your CFE account online or in person at a local office. The CFE Contigo app is helpful for tracking usage and bills.
Water (Aguakan) – Check with your building administrator for the local water provider. Be sure to understand payment deadlines and billing cycles.
Gas – Most properties in Playa use bottled or tank gas. Arrange delivery and service setup with your preferred supplier.
Internet and cable – Telmex, Izzi, and Totalplay are the most commonly used providers. Availability will depend on your neighborhood, so check before scheduling installation.
HOA Fees – If your home is within a gated community or condo development, connect with the HOA to ensure your payments are up to date and you’re receiving notices and updates.

If you’re not physically in Playa del Carmen, your property manager or real estate agent may be able to assist in transferring or activating these services on your behalf.

Making It Your Own: Furnishing and Finishing Touches

Whether your property came furnished or empty, the next step is making the space your own. If your home was delivered unfurnished, start by purchasing the basics: appliances, beds, seating, window treatments, and kitchen essentials.

For full furnishing and décor, Playa del Carmen offers a mix of major retailers and local artisan shops. Stores like Liverpool, Sears Home, and Decohogar provide a wide selection, while interior design boutiques and local markets offer one-of-a-kind pieces with Mexican flair.

Even if you’re planning to rent the property, thoughtful design and practical upgrades can dramatically increase rental appeal and guest satisfaction. Details like black-out curtains, high-speed internet, comfortable mattresses, and stylish outdoor furniture make a difference in both reviews and repeat bookings.

Creating Your Playa Lifestyle

As the dust settles and your home starts to feel like yours, you’ll naturally begin crafting a lifestyle that fits your goals.

If you’re moving in full-time, this might mean signing up for yoga at a local studio, trying new restaurants and cafés, or getting involved with community events and volunteer work. Playa del Carmen is home to a large, multicultural community where it’s easy to meet people, join interest groups, and enjoy a balanced pace of life.

If your home is primarily an investment or vacation property, you’ll want to focus on ensuring seamless rental operations. That includes having a property manager in place, creating a welcome guide for guests, and ensuring the home is cleaned and maintained between stays.

Now You Know What to Expect When You Receive the Keys to Your New Home in Playa del Carmen

Getting the keys to your home in Playa del Carmen is an exciting milestone—but it’s only the beginning. Taking the time to do a proper walkthrough, set up your utilities, and resolve any post-handover issues will set the tone for everything that follows.

Whether you plan to live in your new home full-time, enjoy it as a vacation retreat, or offer it as a rental investment, owning property in Playa del Carmen is an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of beauty, connection, and growth. At Paradise Listings, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from the moment you start looking to the day you feel completely at home.

If you're still in the early stages of your search, or you're ready to explore options, we invite you to book a consultation with our team. We’ll help you clarify your goals, navigate the buying process with confidence, and discover the properties that best align with your vision.

Already own in Playa or know someone who’s thinking about buying? Ask us about our referral program—we offer valuable incentives for trusted introductions.

Let’s make your move to paradise everything you dreamed it would be. Contact us today to start the conversation.

What to Expect After You Get the Keys to Your New Home in Playa del Carmen