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Defect Liability Period in Dubai Explained: Why a Snagging Inspection is Critical in 2025

  • The Property Marketing
  • 6 days ago
  • 4 min read

🏡 What is the Defect Liability Period in Dubai?

When you buy a brand-new property in Dubai, your purchase doesn’t end at handover. According to UAE law and RERA regulations, developers must provide a Defect Liability Period (DLP) usually 12 months from handover — during which they remain responsible for correcting construction defects at no cost to you.


Snagging Inspection

This means:

  • If your air conditioning fails in the first year, the developer must fix it.

  • If water leaks appear behind walls, it’s their duty to repair.

  • If structural cracks develop, they must be addressed.


But here’s the reality developers will not voluntarily search for problems. They only act when issues are officially reported. That’s why a Snagging Inspection is your weapon to uncover hidden defects and ensure your property is delivered to the highest standards.


🔑 Why a Snagging Inspection is Crucial During DLP

A Snagging Inspection is a professional survey of your property, carried out using advanced tools and detailed checklists. The inspector identifies both visible and hidden defects that could otherwise go unnoticed.

Here’s why it’s critical in 2025:


  • 🚫 Developers often rush handovers to meet deadlines.

  • 🔍 Small issues (like poor sealing or loose fittings) can turn into costly repairs later.

  • ⚖️ Legally, you only have one chance to hold the developer accountable during the DLP.

  • 📊 Professional reports make developers act faster compared to informal complaints.



📋 Step-by-Step: How to Use the DLP to Your Advantage

  1. Book a Snagging Inspection immediately after handover.

    • Experts prepare a professional report with photos, videos, and defect categories.

  2. Submit the report to your developer within the DLP period.

    • Most developers require official documentation, not casual emails.

  3. Follow up and track deadlines.

    • Developers often delay, but your snagging company can assist with escalation.

  4. Check repaired work again.

    • A re-inspection ensures issues were properly fixed — not just patched.

  5. Escalate to RERA if needed.

    • If a developer refuses, the snagging report becomes strong evidence in disputes.



🛠️ Real-Life Examples of DLP Defects in Dubai

Our inspection team has uncovered thousands of hidden problems during the DLP. Some common cases include:

  • Luxury apartment in Downtown Dubai → Water seepage under flooring due to poor waterproofing.

  • Villa in Arabian Ranches → AC units were undersized, leading to high electricity bills.

  • High-rise apartment in Business Bay → Balcony doors improperly sealed, causing wind whistling and water entry.

  • New townhouse in Dubai South → Electrical wiring not properly grounded, posing fire risks.


Each of these issues was fixed at the developer’s cost because they were documented within the DLP. Without a Snagging Inspection, owners would have paid tens of thousands in repairs.


🔍 What Does a Snagging Inspection Cover?

Professional inspectors check every corner of your property, including:

✔️ Structural cracks, settlement issues

✔️ Electrical safety & overload protection

✔️ HVAC performance & energy efficiency

✔️ Plumbing, leaks, and drainage flow

✔️ Tiling, paint, and carpentry defects

✔️ Fire and life safety compliance

✔️ Window & door alignment, sealing

This is why a snagging inspection is far more than a simple walkthrough it’s a technical audit of your property.



📊 DIY vs. Professional Snagging Inspection

Feature

DIY Walkthrough

Professional Snagging Inspection

Tools Used

Torchlight & personal notes

Moisture meters, thermal imaging, laser levels

Developer Response

Often ignored

Official reports respected by developers

Issues Detected

20–30% (surface only)

90–95% (hidden + visible)

Time Required

1–2 hours

Full day with re-inspection

Legal Support

Weak evidence

Strong documentation for RERA disputes


📅 Why 2025 Makes Snagging Even More Important

Dubai’s real estate market in 2025 is unique:

  • 🏗️ Mega deliveries of off-plan apartments & villas across new communities.

  • ⚡ Compressed construction timelines → increased risk of poor finishing.

  • 📈 High investor demand → developers rushing handovers.

  • ⚖️ RERA’s strict compliance checks make snagging reports more valuable.


This means snagging inspections are no longer optional they are a necessity.

👉 Secure your investment with PropertySnagging.ae.


❓ FAQs on Defect Liability Period & Snagging Inspection

Q1: How long is the Defect Liability Period in Dubai?

➡️ Typically 12 months, but can vary depending on your purchase contract.


Q2: What happens if I miss the DLP window?

➡️ Repairs become your responsibility, and costs can skyrocket.


Q3: Is snagging only for new homes?

➡️ No. Even resale homes benefit, especially if the DLP hasn’t expired yet.


Q4: Can I do snagging myself?

➡️ Possible, but not recommended. Developers rarely take DIY reports seriously.


Q5: How much does a professional Snagging Inspection cost?

➡️ It’s a fraction of the potential repair costs — and saves thousands long-term.


📢 Final Thoughts: Don’t Waste Your DLP in 2025

The Defect Liability Period is your golden window to ensure your Dubai property is delivered to promised quality. But unless you act quickly and document issues, developers won’t fix them.


That’s why a Snagging Inspection in 2025 is the smartest investment you can make. It protects your finances, your peace of mind, and your property value.


👉 Don’t wait book your inspection with the experts at PropertySnagging.ae today.


📞 Contact the Snagging Experts Today

📞 WhatsApp/Call: +971 56 790 7966

👉 Visit us now: www.propertysnagging.ae


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