Property Resources Buyer guide

Owner-occupier due diligence checklist

Buying the home you'll live in is part heart, part homework. Work through this before you sign anything — tick each item as you go.

1

Before you make an offer

  • Inspect the property more than once, at different times of day and ideally on a weekday and weekend.
  • Arrange a building and pest inspection by a licensed inspector.
  • Have your conveyancer review the Contract of Sale (and the Section 32 Vendor Statement in VIC) before you commit.
  • Check the title for easements, covenants and caveats that could limit what you do with the land.
  • Confirm building permits exist for any renovations or extensions — unapproved works become your problem.
  • For apartments and units, request the owners corporation / strata records and check the sinking fund and any special levies.
2

Location and neighbourhood

  • Check the zoning and planning overlays with the local council.
  • Look for flood, bushfire and heritage overlays that affect insurance and future works.
  • Search for planned developments nearby — new towers, roads or rail can change the street.
  • Assess noise sources: main roads, train lines, flight paths and industrial areas.
  • Check the surrounding public housing concentration and amenity (schools, transport, shops).
3

Money and budget

  • Have loan pre-approval in place before you bid or offer.
  • Budget for stamp duty (and check any first-home-buyer concessions you qualify for).
  • Factor in council rates, water rates and any owners corporation fees.
  • Get a building insurance quote and confirm the date cover must start (this varies by state — see our cooling-off & insurance guide).
  • Set aside funds for conveyancing, inspections and moving costs.
4

Contract and settlement

  • Understand your cooling-off rights in your state — and remember they don't apply at auction.
  • For a private sale, ask your conveyancer about a finance clause and a building & pest clause.
  • Agree a settlement period that suits you (typically 30–90 days).
  • Do a final inspection shortly before settlement to confirm the property's condition hasn't changed.

This checklist is general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or real estate advice. Rules and timeframes vary by state and by contract — always confirm the specifics with your conveyancer or solicitor.

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