Articles
Plain-English guides for Australian property buyers trying to make sense of their building and pest inspection reports.
Should I get a building inspection before buying at auction in Australia?
Auctions in Australia are unconditional. Here's why a pre-auction building inspection matters, how to arrange one, and what to do if it finds problems.
First home buyer checklist Australia: from pre-approval to settlement
The full first home buyer journey, broken into stages with tickable checkboxes. From saving a deposit to settlement day, everything you need in order.
How many defects is too many in a building inspection?
Your building inspection report has 20 findings and you're wondering if it's a walk-away report. Here's how to sort signal from noise when the list is long.
The 2026 budget and property: what the changes mean if you're buying a home in Australia
The 2026 Federal Budget reshaped negative gearing and CGT on established property. Here's what it means if you're buying a home, and why building inspections matter more now, not less.
Buying an ex-investment property in Australia: what to check in the building inspection
A wave of investor-owned established properties is heading to the Australian market. Here's what to watch for in the building inspection of an ex-rental.
Pre-purchase building inspection: what to expect and how to prepare
A practical guide to pre-purchase building inspections in Australia. When to book, how to choose an inspector, what happens on the day, and what to do next.
My building inspector missed something - what can I do?
You moved in and found defects your building inspection didn't mention. Here's what 'missed' actually means under AS 4349.1, and what options you have.
How much does a building and pest inspection cost in Australia?
What a building and pest inspection actually costs in Australia, what makes the price go up or down, what you should be getting for the money, and how to spot a low-quality inspection.
What to check in a pre-settlement inspection in Australia
A practical checklist for your final walkthrough before settlement in Australia. What to look for, what to photograph, and when to raise concerns.
Can you negotiate the price after a building inspection in Australia?
Your building inspection found serious issues. Here's how to use the report to negotiate a price reduction or request rectification before settlement.
Building inspection report explained: a guide for Australian buyers
What's actually in an Australian building inspection report, what the terminology means, and how to read it without a background in construction.
Is rising damp serious when buying a house in Australia?
Your building inspection flagged rising damp. Here's what it actually is, how serious it can be, which Australian homes are most at risk, and what to do before settlement.
What does 'recommend further investigation' mean in a building inspection?
Your Australian building inspection says 'recommend further investigation' and you don't know if that's serious. Here's what it means, why inspectors write it, and what to do next.
What does 'major defect' mean in a building inspection report?
A plain-English guide for Australian first home buyers. What 'major defect' actually means under AS 4349.1, concrete examples, and what to do next before settlement.