First home buyers and even some of the more experienced upgrade buyers can sometimes forget to check all the mechanical equipment on a property before they purchase. This is why it makes sense to have a reasonable time period between the acceptance of the offer to buy a property and its due settlement date.
The standard contract ensures that the condition of the property at settlement will be such that it's in the same state as it was immediately before the contract was signed. Buyers should therefore satisfy themselves as to the condition of the property before they put the offer in.
Here's a handy list of some of the more common things to inspect: - Learn how the hot water system works. If it's a solar hot water system, ask about the booster switch and where to locate it.
- If the yard is reticulated, check that it's in working order and ask to see where all the valves are located.
- If there is air conditioning, check that it works properly and that its service record is up to date where required.
- If there is a swimming pool, check for any damage and become familiar with the pool cleaning equipment and filter. Also ensure that the property has the required legal fencing, given that the rules for pool fencing have changed in recent years.
- Check that the plumbing and light switches work by operating all the taps and switches.
- With the power points, take a small desk lamp or hair dryer with you from room to room to see if all the sockets are working.
- Inspect all the water drainage outlets from the roof, ensure the guttering is sound and find out where the soak wells are located.
- If the property is still on septic tanks for its sewage disposal, locate the tanks for when you need to access them.
- Ask about the location of the sewerage outlet pipe and where the main connection is located, if this is relevant.
If there are any additional or unusual things you reasonably want to add, the REIWA Offer and Acceptance Form used by our member agents has a section for buyers to write in any special conditions for their offer. This might include things such as all the plumbing and wiring being in safe working order. If a door, shower screen or window is broken, these are also things you can negotiate be fixed by the owner before settlement.
Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves as to the condition of the property prior to making an offer and if necessary negotiate special conditions to resolve any concern.
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