New Apartment Handover Dubai 2026 | Snagging ✓ Move Guide

Moving Into Your New Dubai Property

Receiving keys to a new apartment is exciting, but moving into a freshly handed-over property involves unique considerations. From snagging inspections to utility activation, this guide ensures you're prepared for every step.

Before Handover Day

Documentation to Prepare

Sale agreement and payment receipts
Emirates ID copies
Passport copies
Visa page copy
Contact details for developer

Initial Walkthrough Checklist

Before accepting handover:

Test all electrical outlets and switches
Check water pressure in all taps and showers
Test AC units in each room
Inspect windows and doors for proper closure
Look for paint imperfections or scratches
Check flooring for damage or unevenness
Test kitchen appliances if included
Verify all promised finishes are complete

Snagging Process

What is Snagging?

Snagging is the process of identifying defects or incomplete work that the developer must fix. You typically have a limited period (often 60-90 days) to report issues.

Common Snag Items

Paint touch-ups needed
Grout imperfections in bathrooms/kitchen
Door alignment issues
AC not cooling efficiently
Scratched fixtures or surfaces
Plumbing leaks
Electrical outlets not working

Professional Snagging Services

Consider hiring professional snaggers who:

Have systematic inspection processes
Know building codes and standards
Provide detailed reports for developers
Cost AED 500-1,500 depending on property size

Setting Up Utilities

DEWA (Electricity and Water)

Register on DEWA website or app
Submit Ejari contract (or Title Deed for owners)
Pay security deposit (varies by property type)
Activation typically takes 24-48 hours

Internet and TV

Du and Etisalat are main providers
Check which provider serves your building
Book installation appointment 1-2 weeks in advance
New buildings may have pre-installed fiber

District Cooling (Where Applicable)

Some Dubai areas use district cooling:

Separate from DEWA
Register with building management or provider
May require security deposit

Move-In Permits for New Buildings

Developer Requirements

Most developers require:

Completed handover process
Moving permit application (3-7 days advance)
Refundable deposit (AED 1,000-3,000)
Service elevator booking
Insurance certificate from moving company

Coordinating with Building Management

Contact facilities management early
Understand building access hours for moves
Know parking and loading bay procedures
Get security clearance for movers

Timing Your Move

Recommended Timeline

Handover day: Complete inspection, report snags
Days 1-3: Apply for DEWA, arrange internet
Days 3-5: Apply for move-in permit
Days 5-7: Utilities activated, permits confirmed
Day 7+: Schedule moving day

Don't Rush

Advantages of waiting a few days:

Utilities are confirmed working
Any immediate issues discovered
Building staff prepared for your move
Less stress overall

New Building Considerations

Multiple Handovers

In new buildings, expect:

Many residents moving in simultaneously
Competition for elevator time slots
Potential construction still ongoing
Amenities may not be fully operational

Tips for New Building Moves

Book elevator slot as early as possible
Be flexible with dates
Communicate with building management frequently
Expect minor delays and plan accordingly

What Common Problems Occur with New Apartment Handovers?

Based on our experience helping hundreds of residents move into newly handed-over properties across Dubai, these are the most frequent issues:

Delayed Handover

Developers sometimes push back handover dates by weeks or months. This can create a gap between your lease expiry and new home availability.

Solution: Have a backup plan. Negotiate a short extension with your current landlord, or arrange temporary storage and short-term accommodation. Many moving companies offer storage-inclusive packages for exactly this scenario.

Utilities Not Ready

In brand-new buildings, DEWA connections can take 3-5 days instead of the usual 24-48 hours. Internet infrastructure may not be complete.

Solution: Apply for DEWA immediately upon receiving your Title Deed or handover letter. Do not wait until you move in. Check with du and Etisalat about which provider services the building and pre-order installation.

Snagging Delays Fix

Developers can take 30-90 days to fix reported snag items. You may move in while some issues remain unresolved.

Solution: Prioritise safety-critical snags (electrical issues, plumbing leaks, door locks). Cosmetic issues (paint touch-ups, grout imperfections) can wait. Keep a written log of all reported snags with dates and developer responses.

Incomplete Building Amenities

Pools, gyms, parking systems, and concierge services may not be fully operational when you move in.

Solution: Set realistic expectations. Ask the developer for a timeline of amenity completion. This is especially common in phased developments where multiple buildings are delivered over 1-2 years.

What Is the Financial Checklist for a New Apartment Handover?

Moving into a newly handed-over property involves several financial commitments. Budget for all of them:

Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
DLD registration fee	4% of property value	Already paid at purchase (confirm)
Service charge (annual)	AED 10-25/sq ft	Varies by developer and community
DEWA security deposit	AED 2,000-4,000	Refundable
Internet installation	AED 150-500	du or Etisalat setup fees
Moving service	AED 1,500-5,000	Based on property size
Snagging inspection	AED 500-1,500	Professional service recommended
Initial cleaning	AED 300-800	New apartments still need cleaning
Furniture and furnishing	Varies widely	AED 15,000-100,000+ for unfurnished
Curtains and blinds	AED 2,000-8,000	Essential - Dubai sun is intense
Gas connection (if applicable)	AED 200-500	Some buildings use gas for cooking

How Do You Choose Between Moving Everything at Once vs. Phased Moving?

For new handovers, a phased approach often makes sense:

Phase 1: Essentials First (Day 1-3)

Beds, bedding, and bedroom furniture
Kitchen essentials (enough to cook basic meals)
Bathroom necessities
Home office setup (if working from home)
Children's essentials and school items

Phase 2: Full Household (Week 1-2)

Living room furniture and entertainment
Full kitchen setup
Decorations and personal items
Storage items and seasonal goods

Phase 3: Setup and Optimisation (Month 1)

Wall art and picture hanging
Custom storage solutions
Additional furniture purchases
Curtain and blind installation
TV mounting and tech setup

This phased approach works especially well when moving into unfurnished apartments, as you may still be purchasing furniture during the first few weeks.

Which Dubai Developments Have the Most Handover Activity?

Major developers with ongoing handovers include:

Emaar: Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Creek Harbour, Downtown area projects. Generally smooth handover process with established systems.
DAMAC: DAMAC Hills, Business Bay projects, Lagoons. Permits and handover documentation can be more complex.
Nakheel: Palm Jumeirah new projects, Dragon City area. Online permit system streamlines the process.
Sobha: Sobha Hartland, Business Bay developments. High-quality finishes that require careful protection during moves.
Azizi: Multiple projects in Dubai Marina, Al Furjan, and Palm area. Phased handovers are common.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Apartment Handovers

Should I hire a professional snagging service?

Yes, for most buyers. Professional snagging companies charge AED 500-1,500 and identify 50-200+ defects that untrained eyes miss. They provide a detailed, photographed report in a format developers take seriously. The investment often saves thousands in repairs you would otherwise discover months later.

How soon after handover can I move in?

Technically, you can move in immediately. Practically, allow 5-10 days for DEWA activation, internet installation, basic cleaning, and move-in permit processing. Rushing the move often leads to preventable problems.

Can I move in before DEWA is activated?

No. Without DEWA, you have no electricity, water, or air conditioning. Moving furniture into an apartment without AC in Dubai (especially summer) is damaging to both the property and your belongings. DEWA activation is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

What if the developer has not completed all finishes?

Do not accept handover until the property is substantially complete. Minor cosmetic issues can be snagged, but incomplete structural work, missing fixtures, or non-functioning systems should delay acceptance. Document everything in writing.

How do I protect new floors during the move?

New apartments typically have pristine flooring (marble, porcelain, hardwood). Professional movers use ram board (rigid floor protection), corridor runners, and felt furniture pads to prevent scratches. This is especially critical for protecting your warranty - developer warranties typically exclude move-in damage.

What should I check before moving furniture into the new apartment?

Before any furniture enters the apartment, verify: DEWA is active (electricity, water, AC), internet installation is scheduled, all snagging items are photographed and documented, the apartment has been professionally cleaned (new construction leaves dust and debris), and all door locks are functioning. Also confirm that any built-in appliances (oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer) are operational.

What Is the Snagging Process and Why Does It Matter?

Snagging is the inspection process that identifies defects or unfinished work in a newly constructed property. This step is critical because developers are legally obligated to fix these issues, but only if they are reported within the defect liability period (typically 12 months from handover).

Professional Snagging vs DIY Inspection

Factor	DIY Inspection	Professional Snagging
Cost	Free	AED 500-1,500
Defects found (typical)	10-30	50-200+
Report quality	Informal notes	Professional report with photographs
Developer response	May dismiss informal complaints	Structured report taken more seriously
Time required	1-2 hours	2-4 hours (done by expert)
Technical knowledge	Limited (surface issues only)	Electrical, plumbing, structural, finish quality

For apartments valued at AED 1 million or more, the AED 500-1,500 cost of professional snagging is a negligible investment that can identify issues worth AED 10,000-50,000 in repairs. Most professional snagging services include a follow-up inspection to verify that the developer has completed all rectification work.

How Do You Coordinate Furniture Delivery with a New Handover?

New apartments are typically unfurnished, meaning you will likely be purchasing and receiving furniture deliveries alongside your move. Here is how to coordinate efficiently:

Phase your deliveries: Do not schedule furniture delivery and your household move on the same day. The apartment entrance, elevator, and parking area cannot accommodate two delivery teams simultaneously. Move household items first, then schedule furniture delivery 2-3 days later.
Order furniture early: Popular items from IKEA, Home Centre, THE One, and Pan Emirates can have 2-6 week delivery lead times. Place orders as soon as you have your handover date confirmed.
Measure everything: New apartment doorways, corridors, and elevator dimensions must be checked before ordering large furniture. A beautiful sofa that does not fit through the door is a costly mistake. See our downsizing guide for measurement advice.
AC and curtains first: In Dubai, two items are non-negotiable before moving in: functioning AC and window coverings. The sun's intensity will damage furniture, fade fabrics, and make the apartment uninhabitable without these in place. Budget AED 2,000-8,000 for curtains and blinds.
Assemble before unpacking: Build all flat-pack furniture before unpacking boxes. Working in an empty room is far easier than navigating around stacked boxes and bags.

What Building Systems Should You Understand Before Moving In?

New buildings in Dubai often have systems that differ from older properties. Familiarise yourself with these before moving day:

District cooling: Many new developments use centralised district cooling instead of individual AC units. You register with a separate provider (Empower, Tabreed) and pay monthly based on consumption. Activation can take 3-5 working days.
Smart home systems: Some new apartments include smart door locks, intercom systems, and automated lighting. Request the user manual and test everything during snagging.
Building app: Most new developments have a resident app for maintenance requests, amenity bookings, visitor management, and facility payments. Download and register before moving in.
Parking allocation: Understand your assigned parking space(s), visitor parking locations, and moving truck access points. Some new buildings have complex basement layouts that confuse delivery drivers.
Waste management: New buildings often have dedicated waste chutes or designated collection areas. Understand the system to avoid fines from improper disposal during your unpacking period.
Security systems: Access cards, intercom codes, and building entry procedures. Obtain all necessary access credentials during handover, not on moving day when the management office may be busy.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Moving into a New Handover?

Avoid these errors that we see repeatedly with new property handovers in Dubai:

Moving in before DEWA activation: Without electricity, water, and AC, your belongings (especially wooden furniture and electronics) are exposed to Dubai's heat and humidity. Always confirm utilities are active before scheduling the move.
Skipping professional snagging: Amateur snagging identifies 10-30 defects. Professional snagging identifies 50-200+. The AED 500-1,500 investment protects a property worth AED 500,000-5,000,000+.
Not protecting new floors during the move: Brand-new marble, hardwood, or porcelain floors scratch easily under furniture legs and dolly wheels. Professional movers use ram board and felt pads. Damage during move-in may void your developer warranty for flooring.
Ordering all furniture at once: Trying to coordinate a household move and multiple furniture deliveries on the same day creates chaos. Phase your deliveries: move existing items first, then schedule furniture arrivals over the following week.
Ignoring the service charge schedule: New property owners are sometimes surprised by service charge invoices. Understand the annual service charge rate (AED 10-25 per square foot) and when payments are due before budgeting for move-in costs.

Make Your New Home Move-In Perfect

Professional movers experienced with new handovers understand developer requirements, building procedures, and the importance of protecting pristine finishes. Request your free quote today and let us coordinate every aspect of your move into your brand-new Dubai property.