The 10 Most Shocking Defects We Found in Dubai Apartments (With Pictures)
- The Property Marketing
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Why Dubai Buyers Must Be Aware
Dubai’s property market is booming, attracting investors and homeowners from around the globe. But behind the glittering facades of brand-new towers, we’ve uncovered issues that left many buyers speechless.
Our inspection team at PropertySnagging.ae has documented some of the 10 Most Shocking Defects ever seen inside Dubai apartments and yes, we’ve got the pictures to prove it.
Whether you’re buying for investment or moving in with your family, these shocking discoveries highlight why professional snagging inspections are not optional. Skipping this step can cost you thousands and even put your safety at risk.
Before we reveal the jaw-dropping list, you may also want to check out our guide on Top 10 Snagging Mistakes Buyers Make in Dubai.
1. Leaking Pipes Hidden Behind Walls
One of the most shocking defects we found was a brand-new apartment with water stains already forming inside the walls. Behind the plaster, pipes were leaking due to poor fittings.
Left untreated, this could lead to mold growth, structural damage, and huge repair costs. Sadly, the buyer was days away from moving in when we flagged this.
2. Electrical Wiring Nightmares
We’ve seen wires exposed, sockets sparking, and entire panels wired incorrectly. One luxury apartment had kitchen sockets wired directly without grounding — a fire hazard waiting to happen.
This is why inspections matter. Electrical issues are not only expensive to fix but can also put lives at risk. More details on risks are in our blog: Legal Implications of Skipping Property Inspections in Dubai.
3. Cracks in Brand-New Walls
Hairline cracks can be normal, but we’ve uncovered deep structural cracks in supposedly “premium” apartments. Some ran from ceiling to floor — clear signs of poor construction or rushed handovers.
Not addressing this immediately can reduce the property’s long-term value.
4. Poorly Installed Windows & Doors
Another shocking discovery: balcony doors that wouldn’t close properly and windows with broken seals letting in dust and hot Dubai air. Imagine paying for a luxury apartment only to suffer AC loss because of gaps in your windows
5. Air Conditioning Failures
In Dubai, AC is essential but we’ve found brand-new apartments with units that weren’t cooling at all due to faulty installation. Some even had water dripping from ceiling vents, staining walls before handover.
6. Uneven Flooring & Dangerous Tiles
Several apartments had tiles lifting, grout missing, or wooden flooring already buckling. Not only does this ruin the aesthetic, but it’s also a trip hazard for families.
For landlords, such defects could affect tenant satisfaction and retention. Read our Ultimate Property Snagging Guide for Landlords & Homeowners in Dubai to protect your investment.
7. Kitchen Disasters
From cabinets falling off hinges to countertops chipped before move-in, kitchens are one of the top areas where we uncover shocking workmanship defects.
Some units even had appliances that weren’t connected or gas lines improperly installed.
8. Bathroom Leakages & Wrong Slopes
Water pooling in bathrooms due to incorrect floor slopes is a nightmare we’ve seen more times than we can count. Some bathrooms had hidden leaks inside vanity units or showers draining the wrong way.
9. Unsafe Balconies & Railings
Perhaps one of the most alarming — we’ve found balconies with loose railings and gaps wide enough for children to slip through. These are serious life-threatening hazards.
10. Incomplete Finishing Touches
From paint peeling, missing silicone seals, and misaligned fixtures, the final finish of many Dubai apartments often disappoints. Developers rush to hand over keys, leaving behind defects buyers shouldn’t accept.
For a checklist of what to look for, see our blog on Top 20 Property Snagging Questions for Dubai Homeowners.
Why the 10 Most Shocking Defects Matter to Buyers
Each of these 10 Most Shocking Defects is more than cosmetic. They can affect:
Safety (wiring, balconies, leaks)
Comfort (AC, windows, doors)
Value (cracks, flooring, finishing)
Skipping snagging inspections leaves you with the burden of fixing these after moving in. Instead, let experts like PropertySnagging.ae handle it before handover.
For more guidance, read: How to Choose the Right Property Snagging Company in Dubai.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment in Dubai
Our experience proves that even the most luxurious apartments can hide shocking defects. Don’t let your dream property turn into a financial and safety nightmare.
Hiring a professional snagging company ensures every hidden issue is documented, reported, and fixed by the developer before you take possession.
👉 Ready to protect your investment? Contact us today.
📞 Contact PropertySnagging.ae
📧 Email Us: hello@propertysnagging.ae
📞 WhatsApp/Call: +971 56 790 7966