In Dubai’s real estate market, two terms often appear during the handover process — Snagging and De-Snagging. While they sound similar, they play very different roles in protecting your investment. Many property buyers, landlords, and tenants confuse the two, leading to missed defects or incomplete rectifications.
At Dubai Property Snagging ®, we provide both snagging and de-snagging services, ensuring your property is flawless from the moment you receive it until after the developer or contractor fixes the reported issues.
What is Snagging?
Snagging is the process of inspecting a new or existing property to identify defects, unfinished work, or non-compliance issues before handover.
Examples of Snagging Checks:
- Cracks in walls, hollow tiles, poor paint finishes
- Leaks, low water pressure, faulty drainage
- Misaligned doors, windows, and wardrobes
- Faulty sockets, switches, lighting, or AC units
- Safety concerns such as missing smoke detectors
Purpose: To document all defects in a snag list (report), which is then submitted to the developer, landlord, or contractor for rectification.
What is De-Snagging?
De-Snagging happens after the developer or contractor claims that all snagging issues have been fixed. It is a verification inspection to ensure the work has been completed properly.
Examples of De-Snagging Checks:
- Were cracks and paint defects repaired correctly?
- Are plumbing leaks fully resolved?
- Has waterproofing been tested again after rectification?
- Do AC and electrical systems now work as expected?
- Is the property genuinely defect-free and handover-ready?
Purpose: To confirm that all previously identified snags have been fixed to an acceptable standard — and that no new issues have appeared during rectification.
Snagging vs De-Snagging: Key Differences
| Aspect | Snagging | De-Snagging |
|---|---|---|
| When it’s done | Before handover / move-in | After rectifications |
| Main goal | Identify defects | Verify defects are fixed |
| Report type | Initial snag list | Follow-up compliance report |
| Responsibility | Buyer, landlord, or tenant | Buyer/tenant + inspector |
| Value | Protects against receiving a defective property | Ensures rectifications meet quality standards |
Why Both are Essential in Dubai
In Dubai, developers and contractors are responsible for fixing defects under the Defects Liability Period (DLP). However, many repairs are rushed or incomplete. Without De-Snagging, you risk accepting poor rectification work.
- ✅ Snagging protects you from taking over a property with hidden defects.
- ✅ De-Snagging ensures contractors don’t cut corners when fixing those defects.
Together, they guarantee your property is 100% defect-free, safe, and ready for occupancy.
Why Choose Dubai Property Snagging ®
We are DED certified, RERA approved, and InterNACHI accredited, providing both snagging and de-snagging services across Dubai. Our reports are delivered within 12 hours, complete with photographs and rectification advice.
Final Thoughts
Snagging and de-snagging are two sides of the same coin. One identifies defects, and the other ensures they are corrected. Skipping either step leaves your investment vulnerable to hidden issues, future disputes, and unexpected repair costs.
📞 Book Your Snagging & De-Snagging Inspections Today
✔ Certified Engineers | ✔ Reports in 12 Hours | ✔ Transparent Pricing
📲 WhatsApp or Call us at +971 56 378 7002
👉 Visit: dubaipropertysnagging.ae
