Common Snagging Issues Found in Dubai Properties

Buying a new home or property is exciting. But you can find a lot of issues when purchasing a property, and people are concerned about the quality of properties nowadays. That’s where snagging comes in.

In this blog, we will explore why snagging matters in Dubai when handovering property and the most common snagging issues in Dubai properties.

Why Snagging Matters in Dubai

Dubai’s real estate market is one of the fastest-growing in the world. With many developments and projects being handed over every year, the main focus is on delivering the projects on time. In between that rush, quality check sometimes has the last priority.

Many buyers assume that the property is perfect, but it is not. Some issues are easy to find, like paint imperfections or flooring problems. Others, like electrical defects, are harder to detect if you’re not a professional.

Common Snagging Issues Found

After inspecting multiple homes and commercial spaces in Dubai, we have found that some defects appear repeatedly. Here are the most common snagging issues we uncover.

1. Paint and Plaster Imperfections

This is one of the most visible defects. In a newly handed-over apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle, we found several paint bubbles and wall cracks near the AC vents, a sign of poor surface preparation. Many properties have uneven paint finish, Cracks near the ceiling edges or windows, Patchy or mismatched paint colours, bubbles under paint due to moisture, etc.

2. Misaligned Doors and Windows

Doors and windows should open and close smoothly. But we often found jammed sliding doors, Doors that don’t align with the frame, Windows with air gaps, missing or broken door locks, etc. A 1-bedroom flat had balcony doors that wouldn’t lock properly, a major security risk for the buyer.

3. Plumbing Leaks or Blockages

Leaky taps or blocked drainage cause serious damage if it didn’t noticed. We commonly find leaks under kitchen sinks, Poor water pressure in showers, slow-draining sinks, Strains or damp spots behind the wall, etc. In a villa in Mirdif, we discovered water leakage under the bathroom sink that had already begun rotting the wooden cabinet.

4. Electrical Faults

Electrical problems are not always visible, but can be dangerous. Our inspections often uncover loose sockets or switches, a DB (distribution board) not labelled properly, light fixtures not working, no earthing, or improper wiring, etc. We found a high-end apartment in Dubai Marina that had an entire room without power due to a wiring issue in the distribution board.

5. AC and Ventilation Issues

In the Dubai climate, AC is essential to survive. But we frequently find low cooling due to dirty or clogged filters, AC units dripping water inside the home, no ventilation in bathrooms or kitchens, etc. A family in Silicon Oasis had severe mould issues in their bedroom due to poor ventilation and an AC unit leaking water behind the wall.

6. Flooring Problems

Beautiful flooring adds value to a property, but not if it’s flawed. We’ve seen hollow tiles (which can break later), scratches on wooden or vinyl floors, Uneven or sloping floors, etc. In an apartment, we found multiple hollow tiles in the kitchen area. Left unchecked, these could have cracked under furniture weight.

7. Poor Finishing in the Kitchen and Bathroom

These are the most important areas where functionality matters more than looks. Common issues include misaligned cabinet doors, broken tiles or chips, poor silicone sealing, water pooling in shower areas, etc. A Downtown Dubai property had a shower door that didn’t close fully, causing water to spill across the bathroom floor.

8. Incomplete Installations

Sometimes developers miss small, important fittings. We have noticed missing handles, non-working appliances, light fixtures not installed, incomplete wardrobes or shelves, etc. A villa buyer in Arabian Ranches received the property without several promised light fixtures and no shelf in the wardrobe.

What These Issues Mean for Buyers

These problems may seem small, but they can lead to

• High repair costs after handover
• Disagreements with developers
• Frustrating move-in delays
• Reduced comfort and safety
• Long-term maintenance issues

Without a snagging report, developers may not take your complaints seriously, especially after the handover is complete.

How UBA Can Help Solve the Snagging Problems

At UBA Snagging, we specialize in professional property inspection across the UAE. Our goal is simple: to protect your investment from defects and give you peace of mind by avoiding future difficulties.

UBA helps to do a complete inspection of your property. We use professional tools and document every issue in a detailed report. We will assist you in sending the report to the developer for rectification and offer follow-up checks to ensure repairs are completed properly.

In one case, our inspection saved a buyer over AED 20,000 in potential repair costs by identifying plumbing and flooring defects before handover.

We work with homeowners, investors, and even property managers who want a second pair of eyes before moving in or renting out a property.

Conclusion

Snagging is not just about detecting defects. It’s about ensuring your property is delivered safely and securely. At UBA, we’ve seen how a professional snagging inspection can make a big difference. From paint issues to plumbing leaks, catching problems early can save you money, stress, and future headaches.

Are you planning to take handover soon? Let our experts inspect your property and give you a clear, professional snagging report.

Contact UBA today for a smooth and stress-free handover in Dubai.