When buying a property in Dubai whether an apartment, flat or studio, ensuring the quality and condition of your investment is key. A crucial step in this process is snagging survey. This comprehensive inspection identifies any defects or unfinished work on the property, so you can fix those before finalizing the purchase and signing the papers. Snagging surveys helps buyers to identify defects and make sure developers fix them before handing over the property.
What is a Snagging Survey?
A snagging survey is a thorough inspection of a newly built or resale property to identify any defects, unfinished work or quality issues. These defects, also known as “snags” can range from minor cosmetic issues like paint touch ups to major concerns like plumbing leaks, electrical faults or structural problems. A professional snagging company or surveyor will conduct this inspection to ensure the property meets the required standards before the buyer takes over.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has accredited several companies for this purpose. Here are some of them:
Al Yamama Real Estate Survey Services,
Digital Realty FZ-LLC (Pupil),
Emarat Survey Services,
Geoestate Survey Services,
GTA Inspectors,
Star Property Inspection LLC, and
Land Sterling.
These companies offer snagging services to ensure the property meets Dubai’s real estate standards.
Why is Snagging Survey Important in Dubai?
Dubai’s real estate market is booming with thousands of apartments, studios and villas being built every year. While most developers aim to deliver good quality homes, construction defects can still happen. Here’s why snagging survey is important before you buy apartments in Dubai:
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Ensures Quality: Snagging survey will confirm that your property is built to the highest standards and meets Dubai’s regulatory requirements.
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Saves Money: Identifying defects early will save you huge repair costs in the future.
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Holds Developers Accountable: If snags are found, the developer has to fix them before you take possession.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing your new home is snag free gives you confidence in your investment.
What does a Snagging Survey Cover?
A professional snagging survey will cover the following:
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Walls & Paintwork: Cracks, uneven paint, poor finishing.
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Flooring: Chipped tiles, uneven surfaces, poorly installed wooden floors.
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Doors & Windows: Alignment, smooth operation, no damage.
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Plumbing & Drainage: Leaks, low water pressure, drainage systems.
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Electrical Systems: Switches, sockets, lighting.
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Air Conditioning & Ventilation: Cooling, airflow, thermostat.
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Kitchen & Bathrooms: Counters, cabinets, fixtures, fittings.
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Outdoor Areas: Balconies, terraces, shared spaces for defects.
When to Conduct a Snagging Survey?
Best time to conduct a snagging survey is before handover for new properties and before finalizing the purchase of a resale property. For new developments, developer has to fix the defects before handing over the keys. But if these issues go unnoticed, the buyer will have to bear the cost of repairs. For resale properties, snagging surveys help to identify existing problems that need attention before completing the transaction.
How Much Does a Snagging Survey Cost in Dubai?
The cost of snagging survey depends on the property size and complexity. On average:
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Apartments will cost between AED 1,500 – AED 2,500.
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A larger villa or penthouse will cost AED 2500, to 4,000 or more. Some companies charge AED 1 per sq ft.
While this may seem like an extra expense, it’s worth it to save you from future repair costs.
Can You Do a Snagging Survey Yourself?
While you can do a basic snagging check yourself, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional snagging company. Experts have the tools, knowledge and experience to identify issues that an untrained eye may miss. If you still want to do a personal inspection, here are some tips:
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Take a notepad and checklist with you to document everything.
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Use your phone’s flashlight to check corners and inside cabinets.
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Open and close all doors, windows and cupboards to check for misalignment.
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Test all electrical outlets, light switches and faucets. Run the AC to check the cooling.
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Check walls and ceilings for cracks or uneven paint.
Common Issues Found During a Snagging Survey
A snagging survey often reveals defects that buyers may not notice initially. Some common issues are:
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Water leaks under sinks or from AC units.
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Cracks in walls and ceilings that may indicate structural problems.
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Doors that don’t close properly due to misalignment.
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Electrical outlets not working or loose wiring.
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Low water pressure in bathrooms and kitchens.
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Poor paintwork or wall finishing.
What Happens After a Snagging Survey?
Once the snagging survey is done, you will get a detailed report of all defects. You can then submit this report to the developer and ask for repairs before finalizing the sale. Developers in Dubai have to fix these defects under the Defects Liability Period (DLP) which is usually one year after the handover. If the developer refuses to fix the defects, buyers can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department or seek legal assistance to resolve the issue.
FAQs
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Is a snagging survey mandatory in Dubai?
No, a snagging survey is not required but highly recommended to ensure your property is in good condition.
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How long does a snagging survey take?
A snagging survey takes 2-4 hours depending on the property size.
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Can I ask the developer to fix the snags before handover?
Yes, you can present the snagging report to the developer and ask for repairs before you take possession.
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What happens if the developer refuses to fix the defects?
If the developer doesn’t fix the defects, you can escalate the issue to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).
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Can I do a snagging survey on a resale property?
Yes, it’s good to do a snagging survey on resale properties to uncover any hidden defects before purchase.
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How can I find a professional snagging company in Dubai?
There are several reputable snagging companies in Dubai. You can check online reviews or ask for recommendations from real estate agents.
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