diff --git a/qubes/vm/__init__.py b/qubes/vm/__init__.py
index 02f1d34a..069d6f2b 100644
--- a/qubes/vm/__init__.py
+++ b/qubes/vm/__init__.py
@@ -306,11 +306,12 @@ class BaseVM(qubes.PropertyHolder):
             **kwargs):
         # pylint: disable=redefined-outer-name
 
+        self._qdb_watch_paths = set()
+        self._qdb_connection_watch = None
+
         # self.app must be set before super().__init__, because some property
         # setters need working .app attribute
         #: mother :py:class:`qubes.Qubes` object
-        self._qdb_watch_paths = set()
-        self._qdb_connection_watch = None
         self.app = app
 
         super(BaseVM, self).__init__(xml, **kwargs)