Pre-purchase property inspections NSW

We will address the pre-purchase inspections (including building and pest inspections) that a purchaser should generally consider to purchase residential properties in NSW.

It is important to note that this information does not constitute legal advice. You should obtain legal advice from your own solicitor before making a decision regarding any pre-purchase inspections.

Building Inspections

Buying a property is one of the most significant investments you will make, so it pays to have a professional do a building inspection on the property before you buy.

A building inspection may identify potential problems with the property, including:

·         Structural issues – such as cracks in walls, floors, or foundations.

·         Water damage – such as dampness caused by leaking gutters, downpipes, or broken roof tiles.

·         Rising damp – which can cause rotting timber and moisture in walls.

·         Termite damage – which can compromise the structural integrity of a home.

·         Pest infestation – such as white ants, rodents, and termites.

Building inspection – this type of inspection is conducted by a building inspector and is intended to identify any structural problems with the property and/or defects in building work. The inspector will generally check for cracks and other structural damage, plumbing issues and termite infestation, and other things that may affect the structural integrity or safety of the property.

Pest inspection – this type of inspection is conducted by a pest inspector and is intended to identify any timber pests that may be present on the property. This includes checking for termites, borers, wood decay fungi and wood rot. If timber pests are found, the inspector will also provide advice on how to treat those pests. We recommend conducting a pest inspection simultaneously as your building inspection; otherwise, you may need to remove floorboards or walls.

Pre-purchase inspections are usually commissioned by the purchaser and are generally not legally required. However, some types of property may benefit from a particular type of inspection; for example, strata title properties often benefit from an inspection for building defects.

Purchasers should obtain any relevant information regarding the property from the vendor, including any disclosures and reports.

A purchaser should always be aware that they may be taking on certain liabilities (such as asbestos or mould) if they purchase a residential property that has had issues with maintenance or building defects in the past.

If there is a problem uncovered during a pre-purchase inspection, it may be possible for the purchaser to negotiate with the vendor to fix or compensate for the defect. Purchasers should seek independent legal advice about their options if this situation arises.