Snagging Services in Dubai – Why They Matter Before Property Handover
Published on June 9, 2025
Snagging inspections in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are a critical step before property handover. Archers offers professional snagging services to identify cosmetic, mechanical, and workmanship defects before buyers accept their new villa or apartment. This blog explains what snagging covers, how it complements the DLD and BCC process, and why it's vital to use a qualified consultant. Whether you're dealing with a developer handover or pre-title deed review, snagging protects your investment and ensures quality delivery. Archers’ detailed reports are trusted by property buyers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Snagging Services in Dubai: Why Professional Inspections Matter Before Handover
Buying a new property in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone, but few buyers realise how critical the final step is: the handover. Before you collect the keys and sign off, a detailed snagging inspection (and potential de-snag to ensure snags have been rectified) is essential. At Archers, we help buyers avoid future regret by ensuring their investment meets the promised quality and standards.
What is Snagging?
Snagging refers to the process of inspecting a newly built or recently completed property for defects, poor workmanship, or incomplete finishes. These issues could range from paint smudges and uneven tiles to faulty wiring or improperly sealed windows. Left unchecked, they can result in costly repairs or disputes with developers after you move in.
Why It Matters in Dubai
In Dubai, most handovers are tied to the developer receiving the Building Completion Certificate (BCC) from the Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Once the BCC is issued, the developer begins scheduling handovers with buyers. However, the pressure to close quickly can lead to rushed handovers and missed defects.
Engaging a professional snagging consultant ensures an experienced eye goes through your unit with precision. At Archers, we inspect everything from ceiling finishes to drainage slopes, door alignments to thermal insulation, giving you a comprehensive defect list to submit to the developer.
When Should You Schedule a Snagging Inspection?
The ideal time is before accepting handover. Most developers will give you limited time to raise snagging issues. Once you've accepted the keys, it becomes harder to demand post-handover rectifications.
Archers can coordinate directly with your developer or facility management team to arrange access. We also provide photo-based reports that make it easy to follow up and document your position.
What’s Included in a Snagging Report?
Our snagging reports typically include:
- Room-by-room defect log with location references
- Photographic evidence of all defects
- Comments on workmanship and materials
- Priority ratings for rectifications
We also include observations on systems that could affect liveability or safety, such as HVAC systems, window locks, plumbing fixtures, and ventilation grilles.
Snagging vs DLD Technical Inspection
While the DLD carries out its own inspections as part of the BCC and Title Deed issuance, these are primarily for regulatory and structural compliance. They do not cover cosmetic, functional, or minor mechanical defects within the unit - that's where a private snagging consultant steps in to protect the buyer.
Why Use Archers for Snagging?
We understand both construction and valuation. That means we not only identify defects, but we also understand which issues could affect resale value, insurance, and investment performance. Our background as RERA-compliant and DLD-recognised real estate consultants gives buyers a clear advantage during the handover process.
Whether you're buying a townhouse, villa, or apartment in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or beyond, snagging is not optional - it’s protection.
Schedule your snagging inspection before handover.
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