Real estate purchasing in Dubai can be a dream come true, with many expats benefitting from attractive pricing and fluctuations in cost to allow them to get onto the property ladder. If you are buying a new property, you should (in theory) expect your property to be delivered in perfect condition. However, in reality this is rarely the case. It is relatively common for properties to be handed over with multiple minor defects and, in some cases with more major issues. The good news is, if you identify these issues in advance, you can ensure the developer foots the bill to rectify these problems and save yourself considerable time and money. The best way to ensure that all of these potential pit falls are identified correctly and at the right time is by engaging an independent snagging service.
Why Hire an Independent Snagging Company?
The snagging process is a standard procedure in property handover (although it is likely carried out very differently in Dubai to how it might be done at home). When financing a property in your home country, it is likely that your lender will insist upon a certain level of inspection or survey to protect their investment in your mortgage whereas as only the most basic of condition reports is requested here. The common areas where snagging might identify issues include, electrical or plumbing problems as well as potential physical defects to the build and finish of your new purchase. An independent snagging service should be able to identify all such internal and external defects before you accept the handover of your new home. Being independent and engaged by you, your snagging service will enable you to make sure your developer bears the cost and time to resolve any issues identified.
As a purchaser in Dubai, your inspection window before handover might be as little as one hour if you have not arranged for an independent snagging inspection. This is clearly a very narrow opportunity to be able to identify any issues (leaving aside the fact you may not know what to look for or how to spot certain potential defects). Now imagine you are an overseas investor without the opportunity to view the finished property for yourself. The ‘good idea’ to have an independent snagging check could then become absolutely essential.
Developers do carry out their own snagging inspection but, it stands to reason it may not be in their best interest to focus too closely on identifying all and every possible issue if they are going to carry the cost of any remedial actions. A reputable and experienced snagging service can spend an entire day inspecting your investment and prepare a fully comprehensive report of the snags that are actually present.
If you are purchasing (or even selling) a property in Dubai, why not contact Majlis Property Services to understand how we can protect your investment and avoid hidden costs both now and in the future.
