Snagging and property management in Dubai: a guide for overseas owners

Investing in property in Dubai is an exciting milestone, especially for international buyers. With world class developments, tax free rental yields and a burgeoning expat market, the city is an increasingly attractive location for overseas investors. However, the purchase process doesn’t end once the sales agreement is signed. Two important post purchase stages come into play, including property snagging and property management.

Snagging refers to the process of thoroughly inspecting a new property for defects and incomplete finishes before handover or during the developer’s warranty period. On the other hand, property management ensures the long term upkeep of the property and seamless tenant handling on behalf of the owner.

For overseas owners, managing these stages from afar can be challenging. Working with professionals such as haus & haus ensures your asset is protected, your returns are maximised and the entire experience remains hassle free. This guide is tailored for non-resident investors who want to understand how property management and snagging in Dubai work and why expert support is essential.

What is snagging and why is it so important?

Property snagging is essentially a quality assurance process. When a new home is completed, especially in the case of Off Plan developments, minor (and sometimes major) issues can go unnoticed until the property is inspected carefully.

Snagging in Dubai commonly uncovers issues such as:

• Paint blemishes or uneven finishes
• Broken tiles or scratched surfaces
• Faulty door or window fittings
• Plumbing leaks or poor water pressure
• Electrical issues such as faulty sockets or lighting
• Incomplete carpentry or misaligned cupboards

While these issues may seem minor, leaving them unchecked can see them escalate into expensive repairs in future. In Dubai, most developers offer a defect liability period, which usually lasts 12 months. During this time, any construction flaws must be addressed at the developer’s cost.

This is why early property snagging in Dubai is crucial. Identifying and rectifying issues within this warranty period ensures your property is handed over in perfect condition and ready for occupancy or rental.

How overseas owners can handle snagging remotely

If you’re based abroad, you might be wondering how you can ensure property snagging in Dubai can be done thoroughly. The good news is that you don’t need to be physically present for the process to happen efficiently and reliably.

Many overseas owners approach the process by hiring a professional snagging company, understanding the timeline and appointing a property manager or assigning Power of Attorney (PoA). Professionals offering snagging services carry out a comprehensive inspection using checklists, photographs and reports to highlight all defects. They often revisit the property to confirm rectification.

Understanding the timeline is vital, as property snagging can be done either just before handover or within the 12 month defect liability period. It’s best to act early to avoid delays in renting the property or moving in.  

If you’re unable to be in Dubai, a licensed property management company or a trusted representative with PoA can handle inspections, liaise with the developer and ensure repairs are completed to a high standard. This remote approach allows you to secure your investment while staying in control, wherever you are in the world.

What does property management in Dubai involve?

Once snagging is complete and the property is handed over, the next step is ongoing care and management. Professional property management is an ideal solution for landlords who live overseas or travel frequently, owners of second homes or holiday rentals in Dubai and investors with multiple properties in their portfolio.

Reliable companies offering property management services, such as haus & haus, usually include:

• ✓Marketing and tenant sourcing: Advertising the property, arranging viewings and screening potential tenants .
• ✓ Rent collection: Ensuring rent payments are collected on time and statements are shared regularly.
• ✓ Maintenance coordination: Handling everything from minor fixes to emergency repairs with screened contractors.
• ✓ Legal compliance: Registering Ejari contracts, managing renewal notices and adhering to tenancy regulations.
• ✓ Utility and service setup: Setting up and managing Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) accounts, chiller (air conditioning), internet and other essential services. 

Benefits of professional property management in Dubai

Managing a property from abroad can be time consuming and stressful. This is why many overseas owners choose professional full service property management. Choosing professionals such as haus & haus to manage your Dubai property offers benefits such as lower vacancy rates, preserved property value, added services and tenant communication.

With professional marketing and tenant screening, your property is rarely left empty. Regular inspections, maintenance and prompt repairs keep your property in excellent condition. Some property managers offer extra services such as air conditioning servicing, deep cleaning between tenancies and 24 hour emergency support. Additionally, all tenant issues, from leaking taps to renewal discussions, are handled on your behalf.

For non-resident owners, this turns property in Dubai into a truly passive investment, generating income without requiring your involvement on a daily basis.

What to look for in a property management company

Not all property management companies are the same, especially when it comes to providing services to overseas owners. Consider the following when choosing a property manager for your asset in Dubai:

• Are they RERA licensed and experienced? This ensures they comply with Dubai’s property laws and are familiar with the market.
• Do they specialise in your property type? Some companies are better suited to villas, while others are focused on apartments or townhouses.
• Do they offer round the clock support? Emergencies don’t follow office hours, so it’s crucial that your property management company is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• How do they screen tenants and inspect the property? Look for transparent processes and regular reporting.
• Do they offer service tiers to match your needs? From basic rent collection to full turnkey management, flexibility is important.

Asking yourself these questions and comparing service tiers and response times can help guide you to reliable property management services such as those we offer here at haus & haus.