Check List for Buyers

Make sure you have:

  • worked out your budget for your dream property
  • arranged a pre-approved loan if you plan to buy your new home or apartment at auction. You cannot make the contract of sale subject to finance without the vendor's agreement if you buy at auction
  • selected your preferred city, suburb or regional location
  • worked out what features you want in your new home (for example, number and size of bedrooms)
  • inspected similar properties in the area and checked sale results in newspapers and online to find out how much they sold for
  • understood the differences between a private sale, through and agent sale and an auction
  • established if the property requires a building inspection. If buying at auction, make sure you get the inspection report before the auction, as you cannot put conditions on the contract of sale at an auction without the vendor's agreement 
  • worked out if you need to make the purchase of a property subject to a building inspection
  • worked out if property requires a pest inspection before an auction. If so, make sure you get the results before auction, as you cannot put conditions on the contract of sale at an auction without the vendor's agreement
  • your legal practitioner or conveyancer checks the section 32 vendor’s statement (it may be called something else in some States and the contract of sale
  • developed a strategy for bidding and your maximum budget price for the auction or if you making an offer through an agent or direct to the home or apartment owner for a private sale
  • gained an understanding about your cooling-off rights for the purchase/sale
  • asked the agent about any items that appear to be fixtures of the property but could instead be items classed as personal chattels which the seller may the right to remove at settlement
  • organised your budget and deposit, so you can pay when required by the owner seller or agent
  • checked all items you believe come with the property are in good working order and are clearly listed on the contract of sale
  • checked the property and items list at the final inspection
  • decided to contract a conveyancer or purchased a kit if you decide to do your own conveyancing
  • have engaged a solicitor or legal representative
  • If you are looking to rent/lease a house, flat, apartment or unit, you should also refer to our Renters checklist.