Snagging, in plain terms
Snagging is a detailed, visual inspection of a property — usually a new-build apartment, townhouse or villa — that documents defects, unfinished work and quality issues before or shortly after you take ownership. The word comes from the construction term 'snag': a small fault that should be put right, from paint drips and cracked tiles to doors that do not close properly.
In Dubai, snagging is most common around handover, when a developer invites you to inspect and accept your unit. Developers carry out their own walkthrough, but that process is designed to complete the handover — not to protect your position as a buyer. An independent snagging inspection works the other way around: the inspector acts only for you, and the report is written from your side of the table.
What a snagging inspection covers
A professional snagging inspection is a systematic, room-by-room review of everything that is visible, reasonably apparent and safely accessible on the day. Subject to the agreed scope and access, a standard residential inspection typically covers:
- Walls, ceilings, floors, paint, plaster and general finishing
- Tiles, grout and sealant, including indicative hollow-sounding areas
- Doors, windows, frames, handles, locks, glazing and seals
- Joinery, cabinetry, wardrobes and built-in storage
- Sanitary ware, taps, visible pipework, drainage flow and water pressure
- Accessible switches, sockets, light fittings and distribution-board labels
- Air-conditioning controls and observable cooling or airflow
- Balconies, terraces and external areas where access is lawful and safe
When should you book a snagging inspection?
The most common moment is just before handover acceptance, so your findings are documented before you sign. If you have already accepted the property, a snagging inspection during the defect liability period (DLP) documents issues while they may still be the developer's responsibility under your contract. Buyers of resale property also use snagging-style inspections to understand the condition of a home before they commit.
If you are an overseas owner, the inspection can usually proceed once lawful and safe access is arranged, and the report is delivered digitally.
What happens after the inspection
You receive a photo-led report delivered within 8 hours after the inspection is completed. Each finding is documented with photographs, a location and a practical severity label — Critical, Major, Minor or Advisory — so you can see at a glance what needs attention first.
You then share the report with the developer or seller so the items can be reviewed and addressed through their process. An inspection report documents the condition on the day; rectification, timelines and any warranty coverage remain subject to your contract with the developer.
What snagging is not
A snagging inspection is visual and non-destructive. The inspector does not open walls, lift floors, dismantle equipment or test concealed services. It is not a structural survey, a regulatory compliance certificate or a guarantee that a property is defect-free — no visual inspection can identify every defect, and some issues only appear after occupancy.
The exact scope is always the scope confirmed in your accepted quotation. Our inspection scope and exclusions page explains the boundaries in full, so you know precisely what is and is not included before you book.
How much does snagging cost in Dubai?
Professional snagging in Dubai starts from AED 799 for a studio apartment. The final fee depends on property type, built-up area, location, access and scope — you receive a fixed, no-obligation quote before anything is booked. Our 2026 price guide breaks down typical fees by property type.
