Buying on the secondary market carries a risk that buying off-plan does not: there is no developer warranty standing behind the property, and no defect liability period to fall back on. Once the transfer completes, every fault in the building is yours.
A resale inspection is carried out before transfer, while you still have the option to renegotiate or walk away. It covers the same systems as a handover inspection, with additional attention to how the property has been maintained and to work carried out by previous owners.
What we look for that a viewing will not show
- Repairs made to conceal a problem rather than to fix it
- Water damage covered by recent paint
- Unpermitted alterations, particularly to electrical and plumbing
- Air-conditioning systems near the end of their service life
- Waterproofing that has failed and been patched
- Structural movement disguised by filler and decoration
Using the report to negotiate
An inspection report is the strongest negotiating position available to a buyer, because it replaces opinion with documentation. A seller can dismiss a concern. A seller finds it considerably harder to dismiss a photographed, graded list of defects with repair implications attached.
Owners routinely recover several times the inspection fee in price adjustment. Occasionally the report tells you to walk away entirely, which is worth more still.
What we check
Structure & finishes
Walls, ceilings, floors, skirting, paint, tile levels and hollow tiling.
Doors & joinery
Alignment, sealing, locks, handles, wardrobes and built-in cabinetry.
Plumbing
Water pressure, drainage, leaks, traps, heaters, bathroom and kitchen fittings.
Electrical
Sockets, switches, DB board, earthing, lighting circuits and outdoor points.
HVAC
Air flow, temperature differential, condensation, ducting and drainage lines.
Waterproofing
Bathrooms, roofs, terraces, balconies and external wall junctions.
External areas
Landscaping, irrigation, boundary walls, garage, driveway and drainage falls.
Thermal imaging
Hidden leaks, damp behind finishes, missing insulation and overheating electrical points a visual check cannot find.
Questions about this service
When should I book it relative to the transfer?
After your offer is accepted and before the transfer completes. That is the window where the findings still give you leverage.
Will the seller allow an inspection?
In most cases yes, and reluctance is itself informative. We can carry out the inspection with the agent present if the seller prefers.
Does this cover the building's common areas?
The inspection covers your unit. For a whole-building assessment before purchasing an entire property, we carry that out as a separate service.
Ready to book?
Message us with the property type, community and your date, and we will confirm availability and a fixed price the same day.