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Nakheel Villa Handover Checklist 2026

Nakheel created some of Dubai's most iconic addresses — from the original Palm Jumeirah to the upcoming Palm Jebel Ali. Their villa communities range from established waterfront properties to brand-new island developments. This checklist covers what to expect and how to personalise your Nakheel home.

Communities Covered

Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens

Universal Snagging Checklist

Use this room-by-room checklist during your handover inspection. Take photos of any items that need attention and share them with your developer's snagging team.

Doors & Windows

☐All doors open and close smoothly without sticking
☐Door handles and locks operate correctly
☐Window latches secure properly in all positions
☐No scratches or damage on glass panels
☐Weather seals intact around all external doors and windows
☐Sliding doors glide smoothly on tracks
☐Fly screens present and undamaged where specified

Walls & Ceilings

☐Paint finish consistent with no visible brush marks or roller lines
☐No cracks in walls or ceilings (especially around corners and joints)
☐Wall tiles aligned with consistent grout lines
☐No hollow tiles (tap test — listen for different sounds)
☐Skirting boards flush with no gaps between wall and board
☐Light switches and sockets sit flush against the wall

Kitchen

☐All cabinet doors and drawers open and close smoothly
☐Soft-close mechanisms working on all doors and drawers
☐Countertop joins are sealed and level
☐Sink drains properly with no leaks underneath
☐Tap water pressure adequate for both hot and cold
☐Appliance provisions match the specification
☐Extractor fan or hood operates correctly

Bathrooms

☐All taps flow with adequate pressure (hot and cold)
☐Toilet flushes properly and cistern refills correctly
☐Shower head and controls operate smoothly
☐Floor drain functions — pour water and check flow
☐No leaks around toilet base, vanity connections, or shower tray
☐Tile grout consistent and sealed properly
☐Silicone sealant neat around all wet area junctions
☐Mirror and vanity securely mounted

Flooring

☐No cracked or chipped tiles throughout
☐Grout lines consistent in colour and width
☐No hollow tiles (tap test across all tiled areas)
☐Floor level — no noticeable slopes or unevenness
☐Thresholds between rooms are neat and properly finished
☐No scratches on marble, wood, or polished surfaces

Electrical

☐All light switches operate corresponding lights correctly
☐Every socket tested with a phone charger or appliance
☐AC units turn on, cool, and drain properly
☐Doorbell functions correctly
☐Intercom or smart entry system operational
☐Water heater functions and reaches adequate temperature
☐External lights and garden lights working

Plumbing

☐Hot water reaches all taps within reasonable time
☐No visible leaks under any sinks or connections
☐All drains clear — run water for 60 seconds minimum
☐Garden taps operational where installed
☐Irrigation system tested if included
☐Water metre accessible and reading correctly

External & Outdoor

☐Boundary walls intact with no cracks or damage
☐Driveway and pathways level with no ponding areas
☐Garden gate operates smoothly
☐External paint and render free from defects
☐Garage door operates (manual and remote if applicable)
☐External meter boxes accessible and labelled

What Nakheel Standard Finishes Include

Nakheel delivers quality homes with well-considered finishes. Here is what to expect in each area, along with popular personalisations that homeowners choose to make the space truly their own.

Kitchen

Nakheel kitchens vary significantly by community and era. Newer developments like Palm Jebel Ali feature contemporary layouts, while established communities like Jumeirah Islands have kitchens from the 2008-2015 era that are well-built but may benefit from a style refresh. Popular personalisations include countertop upgrades, cabinetry refacing, and island additions.

Bathrooms

Bathroom specifications range from luxury in premium waterfront properties to functional in earlier developments. Nakheel's waterfront villas may benefit from marine-grade fixture upgrades. Common personalisations include walk-in shower conversions, freestanding baths, and enhanced storage solutions.

Flooring

Flooring specifications vary by era — newer projects feature large-format porcelain, while older properties may have smaller tiles or marble that could benefit from refreshing. Popular upgrades include large-format tiles for a more contemporary look, or natural stone for premium properties.

Electrical & Smart Home

Electrical systems are sound across Nakheel properties. Older villas may benefit from updating switch plates, adding smart home infrastructure, or expanding circuits for modern living requirements like EV charging and home office setups.

Outdoor & Landscaping

Nakheel is known for generous outdoor spaces. Waterfront properties often have direct beach or water access. Pool renovations, marine-grade glass balustrades, and outdoor entertainment areas are the most popular personalisation projects.

Typical Personalisation Budget

AED 100,000 to AED 2,000,000+ — Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali properties at the higher end, Jumeirah Park and The Gardens at the more accessible end.

Depending on scope — from focused room upgrades to full villa personalisation

Just Received Your Nakheel Keys?

We have completed projects across Palm Jumeirah and other Nakheel communities. Send us your snagging list or personalisation wishlist — we will give you an honest assessment and transparent quote.

WhatsApp Us Your Snagging List

Guide updated February 2026. We are not affiliated with Nakheel. This guide is based on our experience working across their communities.

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