Checklist for buying a house

When you're thinking of buying a property, your requirements will vary depending on your personal circumstances and on the sort of property you wish to buy. Once you have found the property of your dreams, you may want to pause and reflect before making an offer or signing on the dotted line.

Buying a property 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, organise building and pest inspections.
  • Is it 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 or jointly owned driveways?
  • Does the entire house, including alterations, have the required council permits?
  • Is it built for the climate? Is it insulated? Will it be in warm in winter and 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 improvements or renovations are needed to make the property comfortable and/or liveable, then it's a good idea to know the costs by sourcing quotes before you make an offer.
  • Is the house and land suitable for your stage in life - are there too many stairs, is there enough backyard space for the kids, is the garden too much to maintain?

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, shops, doctors and medical facilities?
  • Are there enough bathrooms?
  • Is there enough garage space?
  • Will you have any issues with traffic or noise?
  • Is the kitchen serviceable?
  • Is the property and area safe for your family, e.g: children, elderly, disabled?
  • Is it suitable for pets?
  • Are you happy with the building's security?
  • Check under the house - is it dry?
  • Is the block well drained?

Buying in a rural area:

  • Is there a good water supply?
  • Is there any risk of flooring or erosion?
  • How much maintenance work will you need to do - or pay someone 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, education and recreation?
Buying Information

What factors determine the purchase price of the property I am buying?

While a number of factors come into play when determining the purchase price of the property you are buying, the end result is judged by only one figure - how much someone is prepared to pay for it at the time.

The most significant considerations for pricing a property are recent sales and current competition. Your Real Estate agent can provide you with information and advice regarding both of these aspects of the house-hunting process through competitive market analysis.

It is also important to take note of the prevailing market conditions, as these can generate a genuine insight into short-term trends and help prospective homebuyers gain a feel for what they will need to pay to achieve their goals.

'Seller motivation' - the reason the current owner is attempting to offload the property. This concept might also play a major role in determining the final purchase price. If a quick sale is required, vendors have little choice but to accept the best offer at the time without the luxury of waiting for a better deal.

Buying Information