Pre-settlement inspection
The bottom line
Inspect two or three working days before settlement, with the same checklist and photos you used at the open home.
You are entitled to inspect the property before settlement to confirm it is in the same condition as when you signed, with the chattels present and working. Two to three working days out is the sweet spot: the vendor has usually moved, and there is still time to raise a problem.
If something is wrong, we put the vendor's lawyer on notice and negotiate a holdback from the settlement amount. The time to raise it is before we settle, not after.
Read this
What to check at the open home, and again before you move in
Do this
Book the inspection with the agent for two or three working days before settlement
Check yourself
When should the pre-settlement inspection happen?
Two to three working days before settlement.
What are you checking?
Same condition as when you signed, chattels present and working.
What is the usual remedy if something is wrong?
A holdback from the settlement amount until it is fixed.
Talk it through
Want a lawyer to check your situation?
A free 15-minute call with a property lawyer who only works with first home buyers.