What to Look For During Property Pre-Settlement (Final) Inspection

Under a standard REIQ Contract for the purchase of residential property Buyers are entitled to one pre-settlement inspection. Ideally as a Buyer you will want to arrange for the inspection with either the real estate agent (or in the event of no agent, the Seller direct) to occur once tenants have moved out (if applicable) and either first thing on the morning of settlement or as close to the settlement date as possible.

When conducting your pre-settlement inspection common things to check include:

• Ensuring that the property is in fact vacant for handover (in instances where there is no tenancy or where a previous tenancy is ending prior to settlement)

• Ensuring there has been no significant damage made to the property since the contract was signed when your original inspection was completed.

• Checking that all appliances, fittings, electrical, plumbing, pool pumps, and any other functions of the property are in working order or otherwise as originally inspected. A power point tester is useful for assisting in your electrical checks.

• All of the inclusions listed in the contract remain in the property and have not been removed.

• Any exclusions listed in the contract have been removed.

• Ensuring that no rubbish, building materials or bulky furniture are left in the house or on the property and that the house is left in a reasonably clean state for handover.

• Checking that your gardens and landscape are in order (and that no pot plants or ground plants have been removed by the owner – landscaping can be expensive and certain plants quite valuable!).

You should contact your real estate listed in the contract to arrange a suitable time for your pre-settlement inspection, or where there is no agent, direct with the Seller.  It is also important to notify your solicitor of the outcome of your final inspection to allow them to determine all final settlement arrangements are satisfied.

Aylward Game Solicitors

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