Cheyne Waddingham, Author at Town and Country Inspections

10 Top Considerations When Purchasing Property

by Cheyne Waddingham | Apr 18, 2023 | Pest Inspection, Property Investor, Property Purchaser

Purchasing a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upgrading to a larger home, or investing in real estate, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. In this article, we will explore what you need to know before you purchase your next property.

1. Determine your budget

The first step in purchasing a property is determining your budget. This includes not only the purchase price of the property but also other associated costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, and building inspections. You should also factor in ongoing costs such as mortgage repayments, council rates, and maintenance costs.

2. Research the market

Before you start looking at properties, it’s important to research the market to get an idea of property values in your desired location. You can use online real estate portals or attend open inspections to get an idea of what properties are selling for in the area.

3. Location

The location of a property is one of the most important factors to consider when making a purchase. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, public transport, shopping centres, and other amenities that are important to you.

It’s also important to consider the long-term prospects of the location. Is the area undergoing development or expected to grow in the coming years? Is it a desirable location for renters or potential future buyers? These are all factors that can influence the value of your property over time.

4. Building and Pest Inspections

Before purchasing a property, it’s important to have a building and pest inspection conducted by a qualified inspector. This can identify any potential issues with the property such as structural damage, defects and pest issues. A building and pest inspection can potentially save you thousands of dollars and help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

5. Legal considerations

Purchasing a property involves a significant amount of legal work, so it’s important to seek the advice of a qualified solicitor or conveyancer. They can guide you through the legal process and ensure that all contracts and agreements are legally binding and in your best interests.

6. Strata properties

If you’re purchasing a strata property such as an apartment or townhouse, it’s important to consider the strata fees and any associated bylaws. Strata fees can vary significantly between properties and can add significantly to the ongoing costs of owning a property.

7. Finance options

There are several finance options available when purchasing a property, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and interest-only mortgages. It’s important to do your research and seek advice from a mortgage broker or financial planner to determine the best finance option for your individual circumstances. It’s also important to consider any government incentives or grants that may be available.

8. Insurance considerations

Owning a property comes with certain risks, so it’s important to ensure that you have adequate insurance cover. This may include building insurance, which covers damage to the physical structure of the property, and contents insurance, which covers the loss or damage of personal belongings within the property.

You should also consider landlord insurance if you’re purchasing an investment property. This can cover you for damage caused by tenants, loss of rental income, and other potential risks.

9. Building and renovating

If you’re purchasing a property with the intention of building or renovating, it’s important to consider the costs involved and any legal or planning requirements. This may include obtaining council approvals and permits, engaging architects and builders, and complying with building codes and regulations.

10. Seek professional advice

Finally, it’s important to seek professional advice throughout the property purchasing process. This may include advice from a financial planner or mortgage broker, a solicitor or conveyancer, and a building inspector.

Seeking professional advice can help to ensure that you’re making an informed decision and can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

If you are needing a building inspection completed for either a property you are buying or selling give us a call on 0438 439 388. We will be happy to provide you with a free quote and a quality report, so you can purchase with peace of mind.

7 reasons why building inspections are so important

by Cheyne Waddingham | Feb 17, 2023 | Building Inspection, Property Investor, Property Purchaser

A building inspection is an essential step for any property purchaser in Australia. This crucial process involves having a professional inspector examine the property to determine its overall condition and identify any structural issues that could impact the value, safety, or liveable conditions.

The following article outlines 7 reasons why building inspections are so important for property purchasers in Australia.

1. Identify issues early

A building inspection is designed to identify any issues that might exist with a property. This can include everything from water damage, structural damage, or pest infestations.

By having an inspection done, the purchaser can identify any potential issues early in the buying process. This means that they can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase or negotiate a better price based on the results of the inspection.

2. Ensure safety and liveable conditions

Building inspections are important for ensuring that the property is safe and liveable. Structural issues can result in the property being unsafe until the necessary repairs are made.

By having an inspection done, property purchasers can identify any safety concerns and ensure that the property is liveable before finalising the purchase.

3. Save money in the long run

Building inspections can save property purchasers money in the long run by identifying issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For example, if an inspection identifies a major structural issue, the purchaser can negotiate a better price or choose to walk away from the purchase entirely.

Also, identifying issues early can prevent the need for expensive repairs down the line.

4. Protect against legal issues

Buying a property is a significant investment, and it’s important to protect that investment against any potential legal issues. Building inspections can help property purchasers identify any issues that might result in legal disputes down the line.

For example, if an inspection reveals that the property has been built without the necessary permits, the purchaser can avoid any legal headaches by choosing to walk away from the purchase.

5. Ensure a smoother buying process

Buying a property can be a complex and stressful process, and building inspections can help ensure a smoother buying process. By identifying any issues early, the purchaser can avoid any surprises or last-minute negotiations that can delay the closing process.

Also, having an inspection done can provide the purchaser with peace of mind, knowing that they are making an informed decision about their purchase.

6. Negotiate a better price

Building inspections can provide property purchasers with valuable leverage in negotiations. If an inspection identifies any issues with the property, the purchaser can use this information to negotiate a better price with the seller.

This can result in significant savings on the purchase price, which can be particularly valuable for purchasers who are working with a limited budget.

7. Identify potential renovations opportunities

Building inspections can also identify potential renovation opportunities for property purchasers.

For example, if an inspection reveals that the property has an unfinished room, the purchaser might choose to finish the space and add value to the property. By identifying these opportunities early, the purchaser can factor them into their overall investment strategy and make an informed decision about the property.

A building inspection is an essential step for any property purchaser in Australia. By identifying issues early, ensuring safety and liveable conditions, saving money in the long run, protecting against legal issues, ensuring a smoother buying process, negotiating a better price, and identifying potential renovation opportunities, building inspections can provide property purchasers with valuable peace of mind.

If you would like a building inspection please call Cheyne on 0438 439 388. Cheyne will give you a free quote before engaging his inspection services. If you choose to proceed Cheyne will step you through the process with honest communication, care factor, and will deliver a comprehensive easy to understand report.

5 reasons why a pest inspection is crucial for Australian properties

by Cheyne Waddingham | Jan 16, 2023 | Pest Inspection, Property Investors, Property Purchaser

Buying a property is one of the most significant investment that a person can make in their lifetime. Whether it’s a house or an apartment, the property market is fiercely competitive, and it’s essential to do your due diligence before committing to a purchase. One crucial aspect of this process is getting a pest inspection.

Australia is known for its diverse and unique wildlife, but unfortunately, this also means that the country is home to various pests that can cause extensive damage to properties. Insects such as termites, borers, and ants, as well as rodents like mice and rats, are common pests that can infest buildings and cause costly damage.

A pest inspection can help identify any existing or potential pest problems in a property, allowing buyers to make an informed decision about their purchase.

Here are some reasons why a pest inspection is essential for property buyers:

1. Identify Pest Infestations

Pest inspections can identify whether a property has an existing pest infestation. It is essential to know this before purchasing a property, as pest damage can be costly to repair.

For example, termites can cause significant structural damage to a building and can be difficult to detect without specialist equipment.

A pest inspector can use specialised tools and techniques to check for signs of termites, including damage to wooden structures, mud tubes, and termite faecal pellets.

2. Prevent Future Pest Problems

A pest inspection can also identify potential pest problems, giving buyers the opportunity to prevent future infestations.

For example, a pest inspector can check for areas where pests may enter the property, such as cracks in the foundation or gaps in the roof.

They can also identify areas where pests are likely to thrive, such as damp or humid areas.

This information can be used to make any necessary repairs or modifications to the property to prevent future pest problems.

3. Protect Your Investment

Buying a property is a significant financial investment, and it’s essential to protect that investment by ensuring the property is in good condition.

A pest inspection can help identify any pest-related damage that could impact the property’s value.

For example, if a property has significant termite damage, it may be less valuable than a similar property with no termite damage.

4. Peace of Mind

It can be stressful and time-consuming to deal with pest problems after moving into a new property. A pest inspection can help identify any issues before the purchase is finalised. This allows buyers to make an informed decision about their investment and purchase with peace of mind.

5. Negotiate on Price

If a pest inspection identifies issues with the property, buyers may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price.

For example, if a property has significant termite damage, the cost of repairs may be high.

Buyers may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price to reflect this. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that some issues, such as structural damage, may be too expensive to repair and may make the property unsuitable for purchase.

If you’re considering purchasing a property in Australia, don’t skip this essential step. Engage a reputable pest inspector like Town & Country Building and Pest Inspections to assess the property’s condition.

Purchase with peace of mind and call Cheyne on 0438 439 388 to arrange your thorough pest inspection today. Cheyne will also organise access to the property to make the whole process seamless for you.

Building and Pest Inspections

by Cheyne Waddingham | Jun 23, 2022 | Building and Pest Inspections

Purchasing a new home or investment property for many is a huge financial commitment. To help you make an informed decision on purchasing your residential or commercial property, you need to organise a building and pest inspection report.

You do not want any unexpected surprises that could cost you thousands or even hundreds of thousands to fix any structural damage or pest damage.

Obtaining this important document allows you to withdraw from the sale due to any defects that may be present. Many lenders may require this report in order to secure funding.

What is a building inspection report?

A building inspection report outlines any minor or major defects within the residential or commercial property. A qualified building inspector will inspect the property thoroughly and will outline minor of major defects within the report.

Here at Town & Country Building and Pest Inspections, we conduct our inspection that complies with the ‘Australian Standard AS 4349.1- 2007 Inspection of Buildings Part 1: Pre-Purchase inspections Residential buildings – Appendix “C”.’

Our quality building inspection report will outline the defect with photographic evidence and recommendations of who is the best industry professional to rectify the defect ie. concreter, plumber, or painter.

What is a pest inspection report?

A pest inspection report outlines any pest issues i.e. termites past or present within the residential or commercial property.

Here at Town & Country Building and Pest Inspections, we conduct our inspection that complies with the ‘Visual Timber Pest Inspection and Report in Accordance with AS 4349.3-2010.’

Our qualified pest inspector will inspect the property thoroughly and will outline the defects within the pest inspection report. Any findings relating to past or present pest damage will be detailed with photographic evidence and recommendations.

What does the inspector do at the building and pest inspection?

Here at Town & Country Inspections our certified building and pest inspector will complete a thorough inspection by:

Using inspection tools to help them identify any minor or major defects;
If there is access to the subfloor, our inspector will crawl under to view the flooring to look for structural damage or past/present pest damage;
If there is access to the roof void our inspector will look for defects such as water leaks, structural damage or past/present pest damage;
Our inspector will complete a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the property. They will look for defects such as holes in walls, mould, the undulation of paving and past/present pest damage;
Photographic evidence will be taken of the defect identified and inserted into the report along with a description and recommendations.

Who orders a building and pest inspection report?

A building and pest inspection report is ordered by the purchaser – the person wanting to buy the property or the vendor – the person selling the property.

I’m a vendor do I need to order a building and pest inspection report?

Here are three reasons why vendors have a building and pest inspection report completed beforehand:

By organising a building and pest inspection report beforehand it can allow the vendor to fix any defects that may have been identified. The building inspector will again inspect the property after the defects have been rectified and update the report accordingly;
It is a great marketing tool to have at the vendor’s open home inspection. It allows potential purchasers to know the condition of the property when inspecting and is very helpful for online purchasers who are unable to attend in person;
It can help the vendor with a faster sale transaction as the purchaser is able to utilise the building and pest inspection report that has been provided by the vendor. No need for the purchaser to organise and wait for another one to be completed.

A building and pest inspection report is recommended by industry professionals

It is highly recommended to engage a certified building and pest inspector before purchasing your residential or commercial property by industry professionals – real estate agents, conveyancers, solicitors, and property buyers agents.

For the one-time fee of a building and pest inspection report that could potentially save you thousands if not hundreds of thousands, it is worth the investment!

If you would like to purchase your property with peace of mind, you can contact us by completing our simple online form. Or call our director Cheyne, who is a certified building and pest inspector on 0438 439 388. Cheyne will be happy to have a chat with you.