Yes, the timing of your snagging service can make or break your property experience in Dubai. Conducting a snagging inspection too early or too late could mean missed defects, reduced leverage with your developer, or worse—costly repairs on your dime. In a market where construction is booming and handovers are fast-tracked, knowing when to snag is just as important as what to snag.
In this article, we’ll break down why smart timing is critical, what Dubai property buyers often get wrong, and how you can protect your investment by booking your snagging services at exactly the right moment.
The Dubai Property Landscape: Why Timing Matters More Here Than Anywhere Else
Dubai is unique. With thousands of off-plan projects, a high volume of foreign investors, and developers pushing to meet deadlines, handovers often happen quickly and without detailed walkthroughs. It’s not uncommon for buyers to be handed the keys without even knowing what defects exist within their brand-new home.
That’s where snagging comes in. But here’s the kicker: many buyers either skip it or do it too late.
Why is that a problem?
Because once the handover is complete, you lose a major advantage: developer accountability. Before handover, the developer is still obligated to fix any construction defects. After handover, it becomes a negotiation or, worse, your financial burden.
What Exactly Is a Snagging Service?
Let’s quickly clarify what snagging services include. A professional snagging inspection is a comprehensive visual audit of your property. It identifies defects that may be cosmetic (like chipped paint), functional (faulty windows), or even structural (water leakage, poor insulation).
The final result is a detailed property snag report that you can share with the developer to request rectification before you take full ownership.
The Three Windows of Timing: Early, Ideal, and Late
Some buyers request a snagging report as soon as they hear the building is “complete.” But what they see isn’t necessarily what they’ll get. If elevators aren’t functional, flooring isn’t installed, or finishing work is ongoing, your snagging report will be premature and incomplete.
What can go wrong:
This is the golden window. The unit is practically complete, but you haven’t officially signed off on the handover. During this phase, your snagging team has full access to inspect without obstruction, and you retain leverage to demand fixes.
What goes right: