Where to Get a Property Inspection Before Buying in the UAE? | Full Guide for 2025

The Property Marketing
2 days ago
4 min read

Why a Property Inspection Is Now Mandatory for Smart Buyers in the UAE

Buying a property in the UAE whether in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate is one of the biggest investments anyone makes. Yet thousands of buyers still collect their keys without conducting a proper property inspection, resulting in post-handover problems such as water leaks, faulty electrical systems, cracks, malfunctioning AC, and unfinished workmanship.

With new-build properties increasing rapidly, snagging demand has reached its highest level ever in 2025. A property inspection done by certified inspectors protects you from paying for defects that should be fixed by the developer before move-in.

This comprehensive guide explains:

Where to get a reliable property inspection in the UAE
How inspections work
What inspectors check
How to avoid scams or low-quality inspection companies
Why interNACHI-certified inspectors deliver the highest accuracy
How snagging protects both investors and end-users

Best Places to Get a Property Inspection in the UAE

When searching for where to get a property inspection in the UAE, you need to choose between three main options:

1. Professional Snagging Companies in the UAE

This is the most recommended and reliable choice. These companies specialise in new-build inspection, handover snagging, post-handover defect reports, and detailed snagging documentation.

A top example of this is PropertySnagging.ae, one of the UAE’s leading snagging specialists. They offer:

Certified interNACHI inspectors
RERA-compliant reporting standards
600–800+ item detailed inspection
Thermal imaging
Moisture detection
Real photos with defect annotations
Next-day final snag report

What exactly is a snagging inspection?https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/what-exactly-is-a-snagging-inspection-snag-list-or-report
Top 50 Snagging Issues Found in Dubai Propertieshttps://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/top-50-snagging-issues-found-in-dubai-properties-real-photos-fix-cost-guide

2. Independent Civil Engineers or Surveyors

Some buyers hire freelance civil engineers or building surveyors. While cost-effective, the quality varies. Most freelancers do not provide:

Thermal imaging
Moisture detection
Full reporting
Developer-approved format
Warranty issue documentation

Also, many freelancers lack interNACHI accreditation, which reduces credibility in developer communications.

3. Developer-Provided “Pre-Handover Walkthroughs”

Almost all developers offer a free walkthrough, but this is not a technical inspection. It focuses on:

Cosmetic finishing
Basic checklist
Limited functionality tests

Developers do not use professional tools and rarely check structural or safety-related issues. This option should never replace a certified property inspection.

Why Property Inspection in the UAE Is Essential for Off-Plan & Secondary Buyers

Avoid Paying for Developer Mistakes

A snagging report ensures the developer not the buyer pays for defects. Many buyers assume developers fix everything automatically, but the reality is very different.

If the defect is not documented in a formal property inspection, the repair responsibility often shifts to the buyer.

Prevent “Hidden” Costs

Common hidden costs avoided by an inspection include:

AED 800–1500 AC rectification
AED 500–2000 moisture repair
AED 1500–10,000 tile replacement
AED 400–800 door alignment
AED 200–600 electrical repairs

Dubai Properties Often Have 100–300 Defects

According to the Top 50 snagging issues article above, most brand-new Dubai apartments have:

Paint defects
Wrong tile alignment
Uneven flooring
Water pressure issues
Blocked AC drains
Façade cracks
Faulty exhaust systems

A proper inspection identifies all of these before handover.

Protects Investors and Landlords

If you plan to rent out your property through a property management company, a snagged unit significantly:

Reduces tenant complaints
Improves tenant retention
Increases rental value
Minimises maintenance fees

Types of Property Inspection Services Available in the UAE

Different inspections are available depending on the property stage.

Pre-Handover Property Inspection

This is the most common inspection. Inspectors evaluate everything before you accept keys from the developer. Checklist includes:

AC / mechanical systems
Plumbing leaks and water pressure
Electrical sockets and lighting
Kitchen installation and alignment
Doors, wardrobes, flooring
Windows, balcony, and seals
Finishing quality
Thermal imaging for hidden moisture

The full process is detailed in this article:https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/how-to-choose-a-snagging-company-what-to-look-out-for

Post-Handover Property Inspection

If you already moved in or collected keys, this inspection identifies defects covered under the DLP (Defect Liability Period). Developers are still responsible for fixing these issues during this period.

Full explanation:https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/what-happens-after-you-submit-your-snag-list-developer-fixes-handover