When it comes to buying a home, it is essential to recognise that you are responsible for much of what takes place. Once the transfer of ownership is complete, you are often liable for any pre-existing defects, including illegal alterations to the property.

 

As Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) outlines on its Contracts and Disclosure Statements webpage, sellers must provide prospective buyers with a due diligence checklist and a Section 32 statement. This requirement, however, leaves a lot of the hard work up to the buyer.  This includes, ensuring that a property is structurally sound and in good condition, which of course, should involve the input of qualified experts.

 

What you should be looking for when you inspect a property is summarised on the Inspect Properties Before You Buy webpage of the CAV website. Take your time to read the advice on this page, because the recommendations it makes could save you from costly oversights.

 

In any situation where you are buying a property, the cost of getting a professional building and pest inspection can easily be justified by the potential costs of not getting one. It's a pivotal step when doing your due diligence as a buyer.

 

If you are looking to buy this year and feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the things you need to consider and double check, we can help you with every stage of the purchasing journey.  Speak to us now about how we can best assist you.