Snagging is the inspection that protects you against construction defects you will otherwise pay to fix yourself for the next ten years.
Snagging is the systematic pre-handover inspection of a newly built property to identify defects, unfinished work, and quality issues. Independent snagging companies in Dubai charge AED 1,500-3,500 depending on unit size and produce a detailed report covering plumbing, electrical, finishes, doors and windows, HVAC, waterproofing, and sometimes thermal imaging for hidden defects. The developer is typically required to fix snagging items within a defined post-handover window, usually 12 months, before the warranty period narrows.
On a 3-bedroom Dubai Creek Harbour apartment I walked with a client and an independent inspector in 2024, the snagging report flagged 91 items. The developer accepted 84 and completed repairs within 73 days. The seven disputed items related to finishes the developer claimed were within specification. We escalated four to RERA and got two resolved.
Never accept handover without independent snagging. The developer’s own snag review exists. It is not the same as paying an independent firm who represents only your interests. The AED 2,000 fee is the highest-ROI check in the whole transaction.
Related: Handover, Handover Date, Handover Condition, Developer Incentive.
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Most buyers underestimate how many decisions sit between a shortlist and a signed title deed. We handle MoU, SPA, NOC, escrow coordination, and handover inspection as a single workflow. Start with a call or see what’s on the market.
