Final inspections

When you buy a property, you're entitled to undertake a final inspection of it in the seven days prior to settlement. There are a number of things to consider at a final inspection:

• The property should be in the same condition it was in at the day of sale (the date by which both purchaser and vendor had signed the contract), fair wear and tear excepted. This means that, while the property might be a little dirty and dusty, there shouldn't be any permanent changes to the property, such as holes in the walls, fire or flood damage, a collapsed ceiling, etc. The same condition means anything working at the day of sale should still be working, and anything broken at the day of sale will probably still be broken (unless it has been agreed to be fixed).

• While dust and dirt are acceptable, and a vendor isn't required to clean a property prior to settlement, a purchaser can expect the property to not be covered in rubbish, extremely overgrown with weeds or have dead animals in the pool.

• All inclusions listed in the contract should be present, for example light fittings, floor coverings, any freestanding appliances or other chattels that were to remain, etc.

• Any works that were to be undertaken by the vendor, for example repairs, finishing renovations, safety issues, etc. should be completed.

Generally, a final inspection is arranged between the purchaser and the real estate agent. The agent will check with the vendor to see whether the property has already been vacated prior to settlement, or otherwise make arrangements with the vendor for access to the property.

Due to time constraints of agents, often purchasers don't have the luxury of spending a great deal of time in the property, either before signing the contract or at the final inspection. It is therefore a good idea to have a checklist at both inspections to assist in remembering the things to check.

You can download a FREE home inspection checklist here.

If anything is not in the condition expected, or is missing, at your final inspection, settlement may be able to be delayed or compensation sought, depending on the terms of your contract. It is important to advise me immediately after your final inspection if there are any issues to ensure they can be dealt with prior to settlement.