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Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

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These are Australia’s up-and-coming suburbs

These are Australia’s up-and-coming suburbs

Practical advice on when to buy and when to sell property

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The golden rules of marketing your property for sale

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12 Australian property trends we'll see in 2020

12 Australian property trends we'll see in 2020

Cherie Barber’s top 6 tips to maximise the value of your home

Cherie Barber’s top 6 tips to maximise the value of your home

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5 savvy finance tips for homebuyers and property owners

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4 tips to sell your home

4 tips to sell your home

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4 things most people forget to check when they buy property

Survey reveals nice lawns improve property values by up to $100K

Survey reveals nice lawns improve property values by up to $100K

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5 key things that will help sell your home

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3 ways to pay off your home loan faster

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15 Features that will sell your home

In Partnership With Century 21
  1. Home
  2. Open Homes

The number one thing you should do before purchasing a property

Better to be safe than sorry - by Kathryn Madden
  • 14 Jun 2019
The number one thing you should do before purchasing a property

Found your dream abode? Tick. Got your mortgage pre-approval? Sorted. Ready to make a bid and move straight in? Not just yet. Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s imperative to book in a building inspection and get the 411 on the property. Akin to a roadworthy for a car, it could uncover damage or defects that have been hiding under the home’s seemingly sparkling surfaces. Here’s why you should never skip this step again…

1. It will protect against (unwanted) surprises down the track

We’ve all heard the story about the couple who scored a charming inner-city terrace for a steal, only to move in and discover rising damp or termites. A pre-purchase building inspection will serve as your safety net, unearthing issues pertaining to maintenance, electricals, structure, drainage, roofing, ventilation and more. Always enlist a licensed professional to compile the report, says Charles Tarbey, CEO of Century 21 in Australia (if in doubt, turn to your real estate agent for recommendations). After that, a pest inspection is advised to ensure creepy crawlies aren’t sharing the residence with you – particularly if you live in an area where pests are a common problem.

2. It could help you negotiate a better price

Should your report reveal any minor defects (corrosion, for example) or major defects (such as structural issues), but you still have your heart set on the home, take heed. Knowledge is power: armed with evidence, you may be able to negotiate a lower price for the home, noting that financial compensation is required to fix the problems. The completed report will also help you make informed decisions about what needs fixing immediately, and what you’ll need to budget for in the future. On that note, the cost of an inspection varies from state to state but generally comprises three figures, which seems a small price to pay in the scheme of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

3. Safety should always come first

Sure, a building inspection might save you money on maintenance long-term, but more importantly, it could save lives. The professional carrying out the review will alert you to any safety hazards in the home: inadequate pool fencing, missing balustrade, absent smoke alarms, the presence of asbestos, to name a few. The report will also check the build is compliant with current and local regulations – think stair heights and window openings – which could defend against legal issues down the track.

Kathryn Madden
Kathryn Madden
With a weakness for words and an eye for style, Kathryn spends her days writing about everything from furnishings to fashion and feminism. Currently the Features Editor of Marie Claire magazine, her work can also be found in Home Beautiful, InStyle, Grazia and Qantas.

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Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
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