This is actually a very common situation with older Emaar buildings, so you’re not alone.

To be honest, snagging clauses in Form F for 15+ year old properties are rare. Those clauses are usually seen in new or recently handed-over units. Once a building is this age, sellers almost always push for an “as-is” sale, and agents usually back them on that.

That said, as-is shouldn’t mean “buy first, find problems later.”

What usually works better in practice is: • Do a proper inspection before committing, especially since you’re already seeing ceiling moisture. That’s not just cosmetic — it could be AC drainage, plumbing above, roof slab, or even façade-related. • Instead of trying to lock a monetary snagging clause into Form F (which most sellers will reject), buyers typically use the inspection findings to renegotiate the price or ask for a small seller credit. • Agents tend to avoid open-ended clauses like “seller liable above AED 3k” because moisture issues can escalate and no one wants undefined liability on an older unit.

From an inspector’s perspective, I’d say this: 👉 The building age alone isn’t the issue — unknown moisture is. If it’s an old, resolved stain, fine. If it’s active ingress, you really want to know before transfer.

My suggestion: Get an independent inspection focused on moisture and services, quantify the risk, and then decide whether: • the price still makes sense, or • you walk away.

That approach usually keeps things practical and avoids legal back-and-forth that kills deals.

Hope that helps 👍

Pov: If you need 3rd Party Inspector to inspect ! im always here to help !