What is snagging and do I need it for a new home?

Snagging is a thorough check of a new building before or at handover in which all faults in the property are noted and handed to the developer to be rectified. This may include issues such as sealing faults, door misalignment, leaks, loose sockets, cracked tiles etc. Snagging is not compulsory but is the ideal time to rectify problems at the developer's expense.

There is also post-handover protection in Dubai. Law 6 of 2019 gives the buyer protection for 10 years from the completion certificate for structural issues and 1 year from handover for installation faults including air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and so on.

All faults should be reported in writing as and when discovered and pictures taken. Some buyers engage a professional snagging service who may employ thermal imaging or moisture detection equipment which can identify problems that are not immediately obvious.