Snagging Your New Property: What to Check

What Is Snagging and Why Does It Matter in Dubai?

Snagging is the process of inspecting a newly completed or newly renovated property for defects before formally accepting handover from the developer. In Dubai’s off-plan market, where a significant proportion of all transactions involve properties purchased before or during construction, the snagging process is one of the most important — and most commonly skipped — steps in the entire property purchase journey.

Accepting handover without a proper snagging inspection means accepting responsibility for all defects — both visible and hidden — from the day you sign the handover completion certificate. In practice, this means you will pay for repairs out of pocket that the developer is legally obligated to fix.

The Snagging Checklist: What to Inspect

A thorough snagging inspection covers all visible and functionally important aspects of the property:

Structure and Exterior: Check for cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors. Hairline cracks are common in new builds and are usually cosmetic; diagonal cracks wider than 2mm, or cracks that reappear after being filled, may indicate structural movement and should be investigated by a structural engineer.

Plumbing: Test every tap, shower, and toilet. Check for leaks under all sinks and behind toilets. Run the air conditioning on cool for 30 minutes and check for water leaks from the indoor unit. Verify that all drains are flowing freely.

Electrical: Test every light switch and power socket. Check that the distribution board (fuse box) is properly labelled and that all circuits are functioning. Verify that the exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen are working.

Air Conditioning: Dubai’s AC systems are the most heavily used of any climate in the world. Test all AC units on full cooling for at least 30 minutes. Check that cold air is reaching all vents, and that no unit is making abnormal noises. Inspect the outdoor condenser units for visible damage.

Windows and Doors: Test every window and door lock. Check that all doors open and close smoothly without catching on frames. Verify that seals on sliding doors and windows are intact — failed seals are a major source of Dubai’s high air conditioning costs.

How to Conduct a Snagging Inspection

For new builds, engage a professional snagging company. In Dubai, professional snagging inspections typically cost between AED 800 to AED 2,500 depending on property size. This is a trivially small cost relative to the potential repair bills you will absorb if defects go undetected. Reputable snagging firms in Dubai include Pro狐 Snagging and Direct Inspex.

For resale properties, a thorough owner-conducted inspection — following the checklist above — is sufficient to identify major issues.