Snagging in Dubai: Handover Checklist for New Homes

Snagging is the inspection you do before accepting the keys to a new home. It is the last moment the developer is obliged to fix things at their cost, and it is routinely skipped.

An hour with a checklist at handover saves months of chasing afterwards.

How handover works

Stage	What happens
Completion notice	The developer tells you the unit is ready
Final payment	The balance is settled
Snagging inspection	You or an inspector list every defect
Developer rectifies	Defects are fixed, usually within weeks
Re-inspection and keys	You confirm and take possession
Defects liability period	Usually 12 months for most items

What to check, room by room

Doors and windows: open, close and lock properly. Check the seals.
Air conditioning: every vent, in every room, running for long enough to feel it.
Water: run every tap and shower, flush every toilet, check under sinks for leaks.
Drainage: fill basins and watch them empty. Slow drainage now becomes a blockage later.
Electrics: every socket and switch, and the distribution board.
Walls, floors, tiles: hollow tiles, uneven grout, paint finish under proper light.
Kitchen: every appliance, cupboard doors aligned, worktop joins.
Balcony: drainage and the railing, which is a safety item rather than a cosmetic one.

Should you hire a professional?

A professional snagging inspection typically costs a few thousand dirhams and produces a photographed report the developer will act on. On a home costing over a million, it is cheap insurance. Inspectors also find things owners do not: gradients, insulation gaps, ventilation that does not meet spec.

Your rights after handover

Most developers provide a defects liability period, commonly one year for general items and longer for structural elements. Report problems in writing and keep the correspondence. The clock starts at handover, which is another reason not to delay taking possession once defects are fixed.

The mistake to avoid

Do not sign the handover acceptance before inspecting. Once you accept, arguments about who pays get much harder. If you are abroad, appoint someone to inspect on your behalf rather than accepting remotely.

Buying off-plan?

Read our guides to payment plans and the fees payable at transfer, and browse current off-plan projects.

Ask us if you would like a recommendation for a snagging inspector.

Frequently asked questions

What is snagging in Dubai?+

Snagging is the inspection you carry out before accepting the keys to a newly built property, listing every defect for the developer to fix at their cost. It is the last point at which they are obliged to do so.

Should I hire a professional snagging company?+

On a property costing over a million dirhams, yes. An inspection costs a few thousand dirhams and produces a photographed report developers act on, and inspectors find issues owners miss such as gradients and ventilation.

How long is the defects liability period in Dubai?+

Commonly twelve months from handover for general items, with longer cover for structural elements. Report problems in writing and keep the correspondence.