Wow...you brought up an interesting issue now.
Hmm...from my understand defects liability should start counting upon the VP of the property la. But so far I've done under con projects only. Not sure how will it counts for a completed project brought from developer, anyway it should follow whatever words and clauses used in the SPA. Defect liability part is the SPA that's binding; not the agent words anyway. It's not a big deal here.
But wow....declaration of property for own stay only really is the first time I'm seeing this. The lawyer should have explain more details to you ma. I.e. what are the consequences if you are renting it out? And what are the legal action..etc.
Hmm...never heard of such law la.