What should I check before buying a property?

A great first impression can make it easy to fall in love with a property. Buying well means looking beyond presentation.

Start with your own criteria

Does the property actually meet the things that matter most to you?

Consider location, layout, size, transport, lifestyle, future plans and whatever you've identified as your own must-haves and deal breakers.

Look at the property itself

Pay attention to the general condition of the property and anything that appears to need maintenance or further investigation.

A normal property inspection doesn't replace professional building, pest or other specialist inspections where they're appropriate.

Look beyond the property

The surrounding area matters too.

Consider access, neighbouring properties, traffic and noise, planned development where relevant, local amenities and anything else that could affect how the property works for you.

Understand what you're buying

Property documentation can contain important information that isn't visible during an inspection.

Your conveyancer or solicitor can advise you on the relevant contract and legal documentation. Depending on the property, other professional investigations may also be appropriate.

For South Australian buyers, SA.GOV.AU recommends checking matters such as easements, caveats and planning restrictions, and explains the buyer's information notice (Form R3), which draws attention to issues that could affect a property's safety, enjoyment or value.

Keep track of the unknowns

One of the most useful questions when considering a property is simply:

What don't I know yet?

Those unknowns become questions to investigate before making a decision.

Useful resource: SA.GOV.AU — Inspecting a property.