What to check — at the open home, and %%again%% before you move in.
One checklist, used twice. The first run-through is at the open home when you're deciding whether to make an offer. The second is at the pre-settlement inspection, a few days before moving in. Compare your notes — anything that changed is your leverage.
One checklist. Two inspections.
The structure is deliberate: the same checklist used twice lets you compare condition at open home to condition just before settlement.
First time — at the open home
Bring the Sale and Purchase Agreement if you have it
Photograph every room including the roof space and garage
Check chattels listed on Schedule 2 are present
Test every appliance — switches, taps, oven, dishwasher
Look for signs of dampness, leaks, structural issues
+ 5 more items in this stage
Second time — pre-settlement inspection (2–3 days before settlement)
Arrange timing with the real estate agent
Bring your open home photos for comparison
Check nothing has been removed that shouldn't be
Test everything again — property should be in same condition
Note any damage that's occurred since signing
Notify your lawyer immediately of any issues
+ 4 more items in this stage
Your rights
You're entitled to at least one pre-settlement inspection
Vendor must give reasonable access
If condition has worsened, your lawyer can require a holdback
Keep photos, receipts, and any correspondence
+ 2 more items in this stage
Angus Grayson, LLB
The pre-settlement inspection is your last chance to catch a problem before settlement. Skipping it is the single most common regret I hear from first home buyers in the week after they move in.
Send me the checklist.
Enter your details and we'll email you the PDF immediately. No spam, and you can unsubscribe any time.
Before you download.
When should I do the pre-settlement inspection?
Two to three working days before settlement. Any earlier and the vendor may still be moving; any later and there's no time to raise issues.
What if I find a problem at the pre-settlement inspection?
Notify your lawyer immediately. We put the vendor's lawyer on notice and negotiate — usually a holdback from the settlement amount.
Can I bring a builder to the pre-settlement inspection?
Yes, and it's often smart to do so — especially if the building report flagged issues that were supposed to be fixed.
Is the open home inspection legally required?
Is the open home inspection legally required?