The Darker Side of Buying in Brisbane – Buyers Forced To Forego Building Inspections
Potential homeowners across Brisbane are reportedly being pressured into forgoing critical inspections to expedite the sale process.
Eager to secure deals fast, many seller's agents are allegedly encouraging prospective buyers to waive essential checks, such as pest and building inspections. However, this shortcut has led to severe repercussions for many new homeowners, leaving them grappling with significant property issues post-purchase.
Despite achieving a quicker sale, they now face the daunting prospect of costly repairs and unexpected stress.
According to veteran Brisbane Building Inspector Andrew Mackintosh, "If the seller's agent is forcing you to forego a pre-purchase building and pest inspection, then it's probably a property you do not want.”
Missing the Signs of Infestation
Many buyers have plans to expand or renovate when purchasing a property, and often, that process is what uncovers a home's secrets.
For example, there may be no outward signs of a termite infestation, but the moment you start knocking down walls, you may see obvious signs. This infestation could then cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to rectify.
Without an inspection before purchasing the property, your insurance policy won't cover the cost. And if the infestation is severe, it could mean demolition and essentially, starting from scratch.
"Inspecting a property for pest infestations is a professional job, not all pests leave obvious signs, and the most damaging pest infestations can be impossible for the layman buyer to spot," says Brisbane Pest Control expert, Keith Jacobs.
Competition is Fierce, But Don’t Settle
With the real estate market as competitive as it is, a lot of potential buyers will do anything to solidify their chances of securing a property. And getting outbid left and right before you finally snag your dream home is enough to make anyone consider skipping the inspections.
But it doesn't matter how many people are lining up to make an offer on that property you've got your eye on - don't ever agree to waive the inspections. Even if you’ve grown attached to the property, envisioned yourself living there and enjoying the back deck, remember these inspections exist for good reason. And skipping them isn't worth the risk.
Unless you or the seller have independently arranged for an inspection outside the sales process, it's advisable to insist on keeping it as part of the contract. However, if you intend to knock down the existing building and start fresh with new construction, consider waiving the inspections to secure the land of your dreams.
Review the building report in detail and consider getting more than one inspection. This will give you a better picture of the property and provide a clear expectation of what lies ahead should you purchase.
