Snagging explained. Dubai real estate term · Costa Global Capital
Glossary/Snagging

Snagging.

The inspection process to identify defects in a newly handed-over property, before signing off and taking possession.

Definition

What Snagging means.

Snagging is the pre-handover inspection process where the buyer (or a hired professional) lists every defect, cosmetic issue, or installation problem in a newly built property. The developer is contractually obligated to fix these before handover is complete.

The team's read

What this actually means for buyers.

Snagging is the buyer's only meaningful leverage point after the SPA. Once you sign the handover acceptance form, the developer's only obligation is the warranty period (typically 1 year on workmanship, 10 years on structural). A good professional snagger costs AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 for an apartment and finds 80 to 200 items even on premium handovers. Mario only recommends three snagging firms in Dubai, and he always advises clients to hire one rather than self-inspect.

Professional snagger cost
AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 (apartment)
Items typically found
80 to 200 (apartments), 200 to 500 (villas)
Warranty after handover
1 year workmanship, 10 years structural
Timing
Before signing handover acceptance

Have a specific deal in mind?

Mario walks every European investor through these mechanics on the first call. The diligence trail is what separates a clean deal from a regret.