Property inspection checklist

Before you go

What should I do before the inspection?

A little work first saves you time on the day.

• Read the listing, and look at the address on the map: what is nearby, and how busy is the street?
• Look at what similar homes nearby have sold for.
• Write your questions down, and take a pen and your phone for photos.
• Check the times, and allow time to walk the street as well.

• Research the value of an address
• Browse sold properties by state
• Open inspections and upcoming auctions

Outside

What should I look at outside?

The outside tells you about the care the home has had.

• Roof, gutters and walls: look for cracks, rust, sagging and stains.
• Fences, gates, driveway and paths. Look for lifting and cracking.
• How water runs: do the garden and paths slope towards the house or away from it?
• Trees close to the house, and the neighbours' buildings and noise.

Inside

What should I look at inside?

Take your time in each room, and use your senses.

• Walls and ceilings: look for cracks, damp patches, mould and new paint that may be covering a problem.
• Doors and windows: open and close a few, and check the locks.
• Smell: a musty or damp smell can mean moisture.
• Kitchen and bathrooms: turn on the taps, flush the toilet, and look under the sinks.
• Power points, lights and the switchboard. Ask how old the wiring is.
• Storage, light and how the rooms feel for the way you live.

What to ask the agent

What should I ask?

The agent works for the seller, but they must answer honestly. Ask, and write down the answers.

• Why is the owner selling, and how long has it been on the market?
• What is included in the sale, and what is not?
• Are there any known problems, works done, or approvals that were needed?
• For a unit or townhouse: what are the levies, and are any big repairs planned?
• How will the sale work, and when do offers or the auction close?

• Find a real estate agent

What needs a professional

What can't I judge myself?

Some things need an expert. Ask for them before you are bound to buy.

• A building and pest inspection, from a licensed inspector.
• Checks of the title and the contract, by a solicitor or conveyancer.
• For a unit or townhouse: the strata records, by someone who has read them before.
• Local risks such as flooding and bushfire, and planning rules, with the local council and your state government.

• Property checks and reports
• Research the value of an address

After the inspection

What should I do next?

Do not decide on the day. Compare the home with your list.

• Write your notes up the same day, while you remember.
• Compare the home with your must-haves and your budget.
• If you are interested, go back, and bring someone who sees things you might miss.

• Buying costs and loan repayment calculator
• First home buyers: steps, costs and official sources