Hi Jeriorden,
When a new build is completed the builder or developer must apply to the local town hall for a habitation licence. The certificate is only issued when the town hall are satisfied that the construction is as per the original plans and is built to the legal building standards and so fit for habitation
Depending on how busy the local town hall office is, it can take up to a year from the date when the builder (after declaring the work completed ) applies for the license. If the works are not complete or not up to standard it could take longer whilst the work is rectified.
When, and only when, this licence is in place can the services, i.e., water and electricity be legally connected. The utility companies will not connect without the licence. Also no reputable lawyer would allow a purchaser to take possession,i.e., complete on the property until this licence is in place.
There are many horror stories on EOS where people have completed without the licence and years later are still on the builders water and electricity supply and unable to sell the property.
If you do a search on EOS for 'habitation licence' you will find lots of info. and also stories about the pitfalls of completing without this very important document.
Edited to say that I have almost duplicated Robertos response which he beat me in to posting. I must try and type faster!!!
This message was last edited by sandra on 4/10/2009.