GUIDE / SECOND-HAND HOMES
Buying subsale?
Look before you sign.
A second-hand home comes with history — and no developer defect liability period. What you see before you commit is what you get. An inspection turns a hopeful walk-through into a documented picture.
01 / WHY IT MATTERS
No developer.
No defect window.
When you buy a new home from a developer, defects found within the defect liability period are the developer's to fix. A subsale purchase is different: once the sale completes, the property's condition is generally your responsibility, and subsale terms are commonly agreed on an "as is where is" basis.
That makes the time before signing your decision window. A pre-purchase inspection documents the visible condition of accessible areas — so you can ask informed questions, negotiate with facts, or budget realistically for repairs before you commit.
02 / WHAT AGE REVEALS
Years of use
leave visible clues.
An older property shows its history in ways a new unit cannot: water stains and damp patches from past or ongoing leaks, cracked or hollow tiles, worn window and door hardware, aged sealant in wet areas, previous renovation work of varying quality, and electrical installations that have been extended over the years.
- Wet areas and ceilings: signs of moisture or water ingress, including stains on the ceiling below bathrooms.
- Finishes and fabric: walls, plaster, floor tiles, paint, windows, doors and balconies — the full inspection scope.
- Accessible electrical items: distribution boards and visible fixtures within the agreed scope.
- Visible cracking or settlement: apparent concerns are recorded; anything needing an engineer is flagged for specialist assessment.
Concealed areas, and anything needing invasive testing, cannot be fully assessed visually — uncertainties are recorded honestly in the report.
03 / USING THE FINDINGS
Facts beat
first impressions.
- Ask informed questions: raise documented findings with the seller or agent before committing.
- Negotiate or budget: use the findings to discuss price, or to plan your renovation and repair budget realistically.
- Arrange access early: viewing-stage inspections need the seller's cooperation — agree timing and access through your agent.
Renting instead of buying? A landlord & tenant condition report serves the same purpose at check-in and check-out.
Found the one?
Send the property's location, type and approximate size — we'll confirm the scope and quotation before you book.
Arrange a pre-purchase inspection