You've waited years for this. Your off-plan property in Dubai is finally ready, whether it's a sleek apartment in Meydan, a family villa in Dubai Hills Estate, or a beautiful apartment in Jumeirah Gardens so close to the Jumeirah coast. Handover is 48 hours away.
These next two days are critical. This is your chance to catch problems while you still can, before you sign anything, and before the developer considers the job done.
Signing the handover documents confirms that you are satisfied with the property and are accepting it in its current condition. While Dubai regulations include a Defect Liability Period, during which developers are required to repair construction defects, electrical issues, or finishing flaws at no additional cost, typically within 12 months, addressing these issues after handover can be significantly more challenging than identifying and resolving them beforehand.
Here's what you need to cross off.
These next two days are critical. This is your chance to catch problems while you still can, before you sign anything, and before the developer considers the job done.
Signing the handover documents confirms that you are satisfied with the property and are accepting it in its current condition. While Dubai regulations include a Defect Liability Period, during which developers are required to repair construction defects, electrical issues, or finishing flaws at no additional cost, typically within 12 months, addressing these issues after handover can be significantly more challenging than identifying and resolving them beforehand.
Here's what you need to cross off.
1.The Preparation
Hire a Snagging Inspector
Fees typically start from AED 800 and can exceed AED 8,000+ for luxury properties and villas. Worth every dirham, they’ll identify issues you’re likely to miss.
Required Documents
Fees typically start from AED 800 and can exceed AED 8,000+ for luxury properties and villas. Worth every dirham, they’ll identify issues you’re likely to miss.
Required Documents
- Title Deed or proof of ownership
- Occupancy Certificate (OC) confirming the building’s completion and habitability
- No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the developer, OA, or authorities
- Utility Clearances – electricity, water, gas, and district cooling
- Lease Agreement or Sale Contract outlining all obligations
- Inventory List signed by both parties
- Service Charge Payment Receipts (for freehold communities under DLD’s Mollak system)
2.The Inspection
Interior Inspection
Exterior Inspection
Whether you bought property in Dubai Marina, Al Jaddaf, Jumeirah Village Circle, or anywhere else, these 48 hours are your last chance to make sure you're getting what you paid for.
Don't rush. Check everything. Hire a pro if you can.
This is your home. Make sure it's perfect.
- Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks, especially around corners and door frames
- Look for uneven paint, peeling, or bubbling, which may indicate moisture issues or poor finishing
- Walk across all flooring and tap tiles to check for hollow sounds (a sign of improper installation)
- Check tiles, hardwood, or laminate for cracks, chips, warping, or uneven joints
- Open and close all doors and windows multiple times to ensure smooth operation
- Confirm that locks work properly and window seals are tight for sound insulation and AC efficiency
- In the kitchen:
- Open and close all cabinets and drawers to check alignment and smooth movement
- Inspect countertops for chips, cracks, or rough edges
- Turn on all taps to test water pressure
- Check under sinks for leaks
- Test all included appliances
- In the bathrooms:
- Run all taps and showers to ensure good water pressure and hot water
- Flush toilets multiple times
- Inspect tiles and grout closely for cracks, gaps, or poor finishing
- Check under sinks for leaks
- Ensure drainage is fast, with no water pooling
- Test every electrical outlet and light switch using a phone charger
- Run the AC for at least 15–20 minutes to confirm it cools all rooms effectively and operates smoothly
Exterior Inspection
- For balconies or terraces:
- Check flooring for cracks, uneven tiles, or poor finishing
- Pour water to test proper drainage and ensure there is no pooling
- Gently shake railings to confirm they are secure, with no rust or loose fittings
- For villas or townhouses:
- Inspect exterior walls for cracks, stains, or signs of water damage
- Test all outdoor lights and gates
- Check garden irrigation systems if included
- Confirm boundary walls or fences are properly finished and secure
- For apartment buildings:
- Inspect common areas such as the lobby and hallways for full completion and quality finishing
- Ensure elevators operate smoothly
- Confirm your designated parking space is clearly marked and accessible
- Check that building entrance gates are functional
Whether you bought property in Dubai Marina, Al Jaddaf, Jumeirah Village Circle, or anywhere else, these 48 hours are your last chance to make sure you're getting what you paid for.
Don't rush. Check everything. Hire a pro if you can.
This is your home. Make sure it's perfect.