The Dubai viewing checklist

A great viewing checklist makes the unit reveal itself. Test things actively — don't just look. Here's what to check, room by room and building-wide, plus the questions agents rarely volunteer.

Every room

• Turn the AC on in each room and feel it actually cool — weak AC is a summer nightmare.
• Check for damp, mould, water stains on ceilings and around windows.
• Open and close every window and door; check locks and balcony doors.
• Look at the floor and walls for cracks, settling and poor finishes.
• Note natural light and orientation — west-facing rooms bake in summer.

Kitchen & bathrooms

• Run taps — water pressure and hot water in kitchen and every bathroom.
• Check under sinks for leaks and smells; flush every toilet.
• Test appliances (oven, hob, fridge, washer) if included.
• Look for drainage smells — common and hard to fix.

Connectivity & power

• Check mobile signal inside (some towers are dead zones).
• Confirm fibre internet (du / e&) is available to this exact unit.
• Count power sockets and check the DB board looks sound.

Parking & building

• See your actual parking bay — covered/open, size, distance to the lift.
• Check visitor parking reality (often the real pain point).
• Ride the lifts — number, speed, condition; ask about reliability.
• Look at the gym and pool in person — real or token? Are they busy?
• Scan the common areas for maintenance standard and cleanliness.

Outside the unit

• Noise — stand on the balcony: road, construction, venues, flight path.
• Short-term lets — ask how many units in the building are holiday lets.
• What's nearby on foot — supermarket, pharmacy, café, park, Metro.
• Visit (or drive past) at a different time of day, ideally evening/weekend.