Free
Pre-Settlement Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers, Australia (A4 PDF)
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Item details
Most Australian contracts give the buyer a final inspection in the days before settlement. It is your chance to check the home is as it was when you signed: nothing on the inclusions list missing, nothing newly broken, and the seller's belongings and rubbish gone.
Your contract sets when you can inspect and what the seller must leave, so read it first and bring this list and a copy of the inclusions on the day. If something is wrong, tell your conveyancer or solicitor before settlement, not after.
What's included
- 2 A4 pages: before you go, inclusions, every room, outside, services and the handover
- A notes block for anything to raise with your conveyancer
- Three colourways
How to use it
- Book the inspection through the agent, usually in the final week.
- Take the contract's inclusions list, your phone and a phone charger to test power points.
- Photograph anything that has changed and send it to your conveyancer the same day.
Questions
When is the pre-settlement inspection?
Usually in the last week before settlement. Your contract says when and how many inspections you get.
Does the seller have to clean the house?
Contracts usually require vacant possession, with the seller's belongings and rubbish removed, rather than a professional clean. Check your contract's wording.
What if something is broken?
Photograph it and tell your conveyancer or solicitor before settlement. They will advise on your options under the contract.
What's on the page
Before you go
- Check the contract for inspection rights
- Print the inclusions list
- Charge your phone (light and camera)
- Bring a phone charger to test power points
- Confirm the time with the agent
Inclusions are still there
- Light fittings and fans
- Blinds and curtains
- Dishwasher, oven and cooktop
- Air-conditioners and remotes
- Fixed floor coverings
- Clothesline, letterbox and garden shed
- Anything else listed in the contract
Every room
- No new damage to walls, floors or doors
- Windows open, close and lock
- Lights and fans work
- Power points work
- No new water stains or mould
- Smoke alarms present
Kitchen and laundry
- Oven, cooktop and range hood work
- Dishwasher runs (if included)
- Taps run hot and cold, no leaks
- Sink and laundry tub drain
Bathrooms
- Shower, bath and basin drain
- Toilet flushes and refills
- Exhaust fans work
- No leaks under the vanity
Outside
- Gates and garage door work
- Garage remote handed over or arranged
- Garden as it was, no dumped rubbish
- Hot water system works
- No new roof or gutter damage you can see
Empty and clean enough to move in
- Seller's belongings removed
- Rubbish and bins emptied
- Cupboards and garage empty
- Nothing left that wasn't agreed
Services and keys
- Meter readings photographed
- Electricity and gas connected for settlement day
- Internet booked
- Keys, codes and remotes accounted for
- Manuals and warranties for appliances
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