What to Look for in a Property

When you're thinking of buying, your requirements will vary depending on your personal circumstances and on the sort of property you wish to buy.

You may be looking for a family home, a "sea change" property or a holiday home. Once you have found the property of your dreams, you may want to pause for a while and reflect before making an offer or signing on the dotted line.

Consider the following checklist:

• Before you decide on anything do you have your loan approved?
• Will you enjoy living in the neighbourhood?
• Is the house sound? If you have any doubts at all, hire building and pest inspectors to check
• Is it in an area likely to hold resale value or benefit from capital growth?
• Are there any long-term costs or issues such as body corporate fees, jointly owned driveways?
• What type of Title is the property? Is it Torrens Title, Company Title, Strata Title, or some other? Ask your solicitor or conveyancer to advise on the Title
• Does the entire house, including alterations, have the required Council permits?
• Is it built for the climate? Is it insulated? Will it be warm in winter, cool in summer?
• Have you asked your local council about planning issues like the possibility of any big developments planned or construction of new roads nearby?
• If big changes are needed to make the property comfortable, then it's a good idea to know the costs before you make an offer
• Is the house and land suitable for your stage in life - are there too many stairs, is the garden too steep?

Then think about the detail:

• Does the house have enough bedrooms?
• Are you happy with the garden - or its potential?
• Will you have good access to the facilities you need such as schools, doctor, medical centres and shops?
• Are there enough bathrooms?
• Is there enough garage space? Is the garage accessible from inside the house?
• Will you have problems with traffic or noise?
• Is the kitchen serviceable?
• Is it safe for your family, eg children,the elderly or disabled?
• Is it suitable for pets?
• Are you happy with the building's security?
• Check under the house if possible - is it dry?
• Is the block well drained?

For "sea and tree change" properties or holiday properties:

Many of these questions will be the same as above but if you are buying in a rural or coastal area, you may wish to consider other practical issues, such as:

• Is there a good water supply?
• Is there any risk of flooding or erosion?
• How much maintenance work will you need to do - or pay someone else to do?
• Are you likely to be bothered by nearby farming or orchard work?
• Are there any industries in the area that could affect you?
• Will you still have easy access to your family, friends, work and recreation?
• What will be the long term impact of corrosive sea air?

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