- Verify listing accuracy β Check address, features, and price against title
- Review property history β Previous sales, price changes, days on market
- Check flood maps β State government flood mapping tools
- Check bushfire maps β BAL ratings and zones
- Review planning portal β Zoning, overlays, and restrictions
- Search development applications β Nearby developments that could affect value
- Title search β Current ownership and any caveats
- Encumbrances β Easements, covenants, restrictions
- Land size verification β Survey vs listed size
- Boundary confirmation β Fences match title boundaries
- Outstanding rates β Council and water rates current
- Building inspection β Licensed inspector report
- Pest inspection β Termite and pest activity
- Roof condition β Age, material, any leaks
- Foundation β Cracks, movement, drainage
- Electrical safety β Switchboard, wiring age
- Plumbing β Pipes, hot water system, drainage
- Asbestos check β Pre-1990 buildings especially
Asbestos Risk
Properties built before 1990 may contain asbestos in eaves, wet areas, fencing, and roofing. Always get a professional assessment before renovation.
- Strata report β Financial health, sinking fund
- Meeting minutes β Last 2 years of AGM minutes
- By-laws β Pet policy, renovation rules, short-stays
- Planned works β Upcoming special levies
- Insurance β Building insurance coverage
- Defects β Any building defects or litigation
Special Levies
Upcoming special levies can add thousands to your holding costs. Always review the strata committee's planned works before purchasing a unit or townhouse.
- Flood zone β Historical flooding, insurance implications
- Bushfire zone β BAL rating, insurance costs
- Contamination β Previous land use (industrial, petrol station)
- Mine subsidence β In mining areas
- Coastal erosion β Waterfront properties
- Comparable rentals β Similar properties' weekly rent
- Vacancy rates β Suburb vacancy percentage
- Rental history β If currently tenanted, review lease
- Property manager quotes β Get 2-3 management fee quotes
- Tenant quality β If existing tenant, review payment history
Vacancy Rate Benchmark
A suburb vacancy rate below 3% is generally healthy. Above 4% may indicate oversupply and downward pressure on rents.
- Rates notice β Actual council rates amount
- Water rates β Actual water charges
- Strata levies β Actual levy amounts (if applicable)
- Insurance quotes β Get actual building insurance quotes
- Rental appraisals β Get 2-3 written appraisals
- All inspections completed with acceptable results
- Financing pre-approved
- Legal review of contract complete
- All costs calculated and within budget
- Exit strategy considered if needed
Virtual Buyers Agent handles this automatically.
See how it works 