Building

Moving In: What Happens After You Receive the Keys?

Learn what happens after handover, including the defects liability period in NSW and QLD, statutory warranty coverage, and Perry Homes’ 20-year structural guarantee.

Congratulations, you’ve completed your home-building journey and received the keys to your new home!

But the relationship with your builder doesn’t end at handover. The move-in stage includes important warranty protections and support periods designed to give you peace of mind.

Here’s what to expect once you move in.

Defects Liability Period

After handover, your home enters the Defects Liability Period.

This period allows you to live in your home and identify any minor issues that may need attention.

In NSW the defects period is 13 weeks. In Queensland the defects period is 12 months.

During this time, you can compile a list of any items requiring adjustment. These may include minor cosmetic fixes or small operational adjustments.

Getting to Know Your New Home

The first few weeks in your new home are about settling in and understanding how everything works.

As you live in the space, you may notice:

  • Minor settling movements
  • Small adjustments needed
  • Items requiring fine tuning

This is completely normal in newly constructed homes.

We encourage you to take your time, explore your home, and note anything that needs attention during the defects period.

Collating Your Maintenance List

If you notice any items that require amendment, simply:

  • Keep a written list
  • Record details clearly, taking photos where applicable
  • Submit them in accordance toward the end of your defects liability period

This ensures all matters are reviewed efficiently and resolved within the defects timeframe.

Clear communication during this stage helps ensure everything is finalised properly.

Statutory Warranty (2 Years)

New homes in Australia are covered by a statutory warranty, as required under state building legislation.

This warranty typically covers:

  • Workmanship
  • Structural elements
  • Compliance issues
  • Defects arising from construction

The statutory warranty period generally extends beyond the defects liability stage and provides additional protection in line with regulatory requirements.

Perry Homes Structural Guarantee – 20 Years

In addition to statutory protections, Perry Homes provides a 20-year structural guarantee.

This extended guarantee demonstrates confidence in:

  • Engineering
  • Foundations
  • Structural integrity
  • Long-term build quality

A structural guarantee offers added peace of mind that your home is built to last.

Ongoing Support

Even after the defects period concludes, you can rely on:

  • Warranty support processes
  • Clear communication channels
  • Documentation for future reference

A strong aftercare system is a key part of a professional building experience.

Enjoy Your New Home

Moving in marks the completion of your journey, from land selection to design, approvals, construction and handover.

Now it’s time to enjoy:

  • Your new lifestyle
  • Your personalised design
  • The comfort of a brand-new home
  • The peace of mind that comes with warranties and structural guarantees

Congratulations on your new home!

Common FAQs

We’re here to help with any questions about our plans, pricing, or features.

What is the defects liability period?

It is the post-handover period where minor issues can be reported and addressed under warranty.

How long is the defects period in NSW and QLD?

13 weeks for NSW and 12 months for QLD

What does a structural guarantee cover?

A structural guarantee covers major structural components of the home, such as foundations and load-bearing elements.