Snagging in Dubai
In Dubai this matters more than almost anywhere. Buildings go up fast, and defects that stay hidden at handover — gaps in window sealing, weak waterproofing, an underperforming AC system — don't announce themselves. They surface months later, once the apartment is furnished and the warranty window is closing.
Snagging in Dubai
Updated: 2026
Snagging is a full technical inspection of a property before you accept it — whether it’s a handover from the developer or the end of a renovation. We go through the apartment or villa system by system and document every defect in a detailed report, so the issues are fixed at the developer’s or contractor’s expense, not yours.
When do you need a snagging inspection?
There are three moments when a snagging inspection saves you the most money:
- At handover from the developer Before you sign for the keys of an off-plan property. Defects found now are the developer’s responsibility to fix, not yours.
- Before the DLP (Defect Liability Period) expires Most Dubai developers cover defects for a limited period after handover. Once it lapses, every repair is at your own cost.
- Before buying or reselling on the secondary market An independent inspection tells you the real condition of a property before money changes hands — and protects a flipping budget from nasty surprises.
One skipped inspection cost our client over $200,000. Gaps between the windows and walls let hot, humid air into the apartment for months; by the time the owners returned, the whole interior was covered in mould and had to be stripped out and rebuilt. A snagging inspection before purchase would have caught it in an hour.
Read the full story: Renovation in Dubai — 7 Risks and How to Avoid Them →What we inspect
Waterproofing & window sealing
Wet areas, balconies, and the window-to-wall joints where humid air and leaks get in — the number-one cause of mould in Dubai.
HVAC & air-conditioning
Cooling performance, airflow, drainage and condensation — an underperforming AC is both a comfort and a moisture problem.
Plumbing & drainage
Water pressure, hidden leaks, slow drains, and correct falls so water doesn’t pool.
Electrical systems
Sockets, breakers, load, and safety of the installation across the property.
Tiling, flooring & finishes
Level surfaces, hollow tiles, uneven joints, paint defects and finish quality.
Doors, windows & joinery
Alignment, closing, gaps, and the operation of built-in furniture and fittings.
Every defect is photographed and logged in a written report — with its location and a recommended fix — which we deliver within 48 hours. It’s a document you can hand straight to the developer or contractor.
After the developer or contractor completes the repairs, we offer a de-snagging re-inspection — we return to verify each item on the list was actually fixed, so nothing is quietly signed off unfinished.
Snagging cost in Dubai
Fixed price by number of bedrooms, including the full inspection and the written report:
| Property | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | 1,800 AED |
| 2 bedrooms | 2,000 AED |
| 3 bedrooms | 2,200 AED |
| 4 bedrooms | 2,500 AED |
Larger villas and penthouses are priced individually after a short call.
Snagging in Dubai — FAQ
When should a snagging inspection be done?
In Dubai every developer gives the owner a window before handover to inspect the apartment, so that the developer can fix any defects found. That window is exactly when snagging should be done — before you sign for the property.
Who pays to fix the defects?
The developer — as long as the handover acceptance certificate hasn’t been signed yet. Once you sign, the property is accepted, and any repairs become your own expense. That’s why snagging is done before signing, not after.
What does the snagging process look like?
Two steps. First, we visit the property and carry out an expert snagging inspection of the finishes and all engineering systems. Second, we deliver a report for the developer within 48 hours, listing every defect with its location.
What hidden defects can snagging uncover?
Snagging catches the causes early — before they turn into expensive problems: sources of bad smells, leaks under the tiling, mould, incorrectly installed plumbing, gaps in window openings, breaches of waterproofing, and more. These are exactly the faults that stay invisible at handover and surface months later.
What is de-snagging?
De-snagging is the follow-up inspection after the developer or contractor has carried out the repairs. We return to verify each item on the original list was actually fixed, so nothing is signed off unfinished.
How much does snagging cost in Dubai?
Our fixed prices are 1,800 AED for a 1-bedroom, 2,000 AED for 2 bedrooms, 2,200 AED for 3 bedrooms and 2,500 AED for 4 bedrooms, including the inspection and the written report. Larger villas and penthouses are quoted individually.
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Email: [email protected];
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