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What Are Common Issues Found During Property Snagging in Dubai?

  • The Property Marketing
  • 5 hours ago
  • 4 min read

Buying a new property in Dubai whether off-plan or ready is a major financial milestone. However, many buyers assume that a brand-new property means a defect-free property. In reality, this is rarely the case.


That is exactly why professional property snagging in Dubai has become a critical step before handover. Even premium developments often hide construction defects that are not visible to untrained eyes. A detailed snagging inspection ensures that developers rectify all issues before you accept the unit, protecting your investment and long-term comfort.


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This guide breaks down the most common snagging issues found in Dubai properties, based on real inspection data, engineering standards, and on-site experience.


What Is Property Snagging and Why It Matters in Dubai?

Property snagging is a systematic inspection of a residential or commercial unit to identify defects, unfinished work, or non-compliance with UAE building standards before handover.


Dubai’s fast-paced construction environment means:

  • Tight project deadlines

  • Multiple subcontractors

  • Complex MEP and smart home systems

All of this increases the likelihood of hidden defects.


👉 If you’re new to snagging, read this detailed guide:🔗 https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/what-exactly-is-a-snagging-inspection-snag-list-or-report


Common Issues Identified During Property Snagging in Dubai

During a professional inspection, engineers typically uncover dozens sometimes hundreds of issues in a single unit. Below are the most frequent categories.


Structural & Civil Defects (Critical Issues)

Although structural elements may appear solid, many problems are hidden beneath finishes.


Common structural snagging issues:

  • Hairline and settlement cracks in walls and ceilings

  • Uneven floor slabs and poor screeding levels

  • Balcony slope issues causing water pooling

  • Improper waterproofing in wet areas

  • Gaps between walls, columns, and slabs


Why it matters: Structural issues worsen over time and can lead to water ingress, mould, and expensive post-handover repairs.


Plumbing & Drainage Problems

Plumbing is one of the most defect-prone systems found during snagging inspections.


Frequently detected plumbing issues:

  • Leaking pipes behind walls

  • Poor water pressure in bathrooms and kitchens

  • Incorrect pipe gradients causing slow drainage

  • Backflow issues in floor traps

  • Loose sanitary fittings and cracked basins


💡 These issues often remain hidden until after move-in when repairs become your responsibility.


Electrical & Low-Voltage Defects

Electrical systems are safety-critical and must comply with DEWA and UAE standards.


Common electrical snagging findings:

  • Loose sockets and switches

  • Incorrect earthing

  • Non-functional circuit breakers

  • Poor cable insulation

  • Inconsistent voltage points


Electrical defects pose fire risks and should never be ignored.


HVAC & Air Conditioning Failures

In Dubai’s climate, HVAC performance is not optional it is essential.


Typical AC and ventilation issues:

  • Uneven cooling across rooms

  • Leaking AC drain lines

  • Poorly sealed ductwork

  • Excessive vibration or noise

  • Incorrect thermostat calibration


👉 HVAC defects significantly increase energy bills and reduce indoor comfort.


Doors, Windows & Glazing Defects

These defects directly affect security, insulation, and noise control.


Common door & window issues:

  • Misaligned frames

  • Gaps causing air leakage

  • Scratched or cracked glass

  • Faulty locking mechanisms

  • Poor sealing leading to dust ingress


Dubai’s dusty environment makes airtight sealing non-negotiable.


Finishing & Aesthetic Snagging Issues (Most Common)

Finishing defects are the most visible but often the most numerous.


Frequently reported finishing problems:

  • Uneven paint finishes and colour mismatch

  • Tile lippage and hollow tiles

  • Poor grout application

  • Damaged skirting and joinery

  • Scratches on flooring and countertops


📌 These defects reduce property value and rental appeal if left unresolved.


Smart Home & Automation Defects (Rising in 2025)

With smart homes becoming standard, snagging inspections now include IoT and automation systems.


Smart home snagging issues:

  • Non-responsive smart switches

  • Poor Wi-Fi integration

  • Incorrect automation scenes

  • Sensor failures

  • App connectivity issues



Documentation, Compliance & Installation Errors

Beyond physical defects, documentation issues are also flagged during snagging.


Common compliance issues:

  • Missing test certificates

  • Incorrect material specifications

  • Incomplete installations

  • Deviations from approved layouts


These issues can delay handover and affect resale legality.


Why Property Snagging in Dubai Must Be Done Before Handover

This is the single most important rule.

Once you sign the handover documents:

  • Your leverage with the developer drops

  • Repairs become slow or chargeable

  • Defects may fall outside DLP coverage


A professional snagging report ensures:

  • All issues are officially logged

  • Developers are contractually obligated to fix them

  • You receive your property as promised



How Many Issues Are Typically Found?

On average:

  • Apartments: 50–150 issues

  • Villas/Townhouses: 150–400 issues



Choosing the Right Snagging Company Matters

Not all snagging inspections are equal.

A professional company should provide:

  • RERA-aligned inspection standards

  • Certified civil & MEP engineers

  • Thermal imaging & moisture testing

  • Detailed photographic reports

  • Developer-ready snag lists



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For stronger SEO authority and crawl depth, internal links to your homepage are essential.

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Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment the Smart Way

Whether you are an end-user or an investor, skipping snagging is a costly mistake. The issues identified during property snagging in Dubai often remain hidden until it is too late.

A professional inspection:

  • Saves money

  • Protects resale value

  • Ensures compliance

  • Gives peace of mind


In Dubai’s competitive real estate market, snagging is not optional it is essential.


Contact Dubai’s Trusted Property Snagging Experts

📞 WhatsApp / Call: +971 56 790 7966

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How many snags can we find in your property?

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