Build Quality Becomes a Selling Point

Dubai's buyers have become more discerning about build quality. Experience with older buildings that needed costly repairs has taught many owners that construction and finishes matter. Developers are responding by emphasising quality in their marketing and, increasingly, in their projects.

What buyers look for

• Materials: durable flooring, fittings and facades.
• Workmanship: careful finishing and attention to detail.
• Systems: reliable air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems.
• Design: layouts that work and spaces that age well.

How to assess quality

Visit completed projects by the same developer, inspect show apartments carefully and arrange a professional snagging inspection before handover.

The cost of poor quality

Poor construction leads to higher maintenance costs, unhappy tenants and lower resale values. Service charges may also rise to cover repairs.

Regulation and standards

Building codes and inspections help maintain standards, and developers are responsible for defects for a period after completion.

The market effect

Buildings with a reputation for quality command higher rents and prices, and the gap between good and poor buildings is widening.

What a snagging inspection covers

A snagging inspection, carried out before or at handover, checks a new home for defects that the developer should fix. Inspectors typically look at walls, ceilings and floors for cracks and uneven finishes, test doors and windows, check plumbing for leaks and water pressure, test electrical outlets and lighting, assess air conditioning performance and examine kitchens and bathrooms for fitting quality. They produce a report with photographs, which the buyer submits to the developer. Most issues are minor and quickly resolved, but some can be significant. Paying for a professional inspection is a small cost compared with the expense and inconvenience of discovering defects after moving in or letting the property.

Our view

Quality is one of the most reliable drivers of long-term value. We help clients assess construction and choose developers who deliver.