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Home loans

Things to check at a home open.

Heading to a home open this weekend? We’ve pulled together a handy list of things to check for as you inspect the property to help avoid any post-settlement surprises.

Your property inspection checklist.

Important questions to ask and things to look out for.

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The location.

  • Does the area have the amenities you need, like parks, schools, supermarkets?
  • Are there good public transport connections?
  • Are there any developments planned for the area? Check with the local council for development applications and plans
  • What direction does the property face? Will there be much natural light throughout the day?

Inside the property.

Internal walls.

  • Are there any cracks or signs of movement?
  • Are there any signs of dampness in the brick walls? E.g. paint and wallpaper lifting, rotting skirting or architraves, white or brownish deposits
  • Do any of the doors jam?
  • Are there any water stains or mould growth? This could indicate excessive condensation or roof leaks.

Floors.

  • Timber floors – make sure to check for rotten floorboards or looseness. If you are in a coastal area, you should also check for signs of a borer infestation, like small tunnels or exit holes in the wood
  • Concrete floors – look for signs of dampness, such as lifting tiles, and rotten or stained carpet.

Windows and ventilation.

  • Can all the windows be opened? Sash cords in older windows may need replacing
  • Is there any excessive condensation or mould growth on the windows or walls?
  • Is there an unexplained musty smell? This could indicate a mould problem.

Renovations or extensions.

  • If the house has recently been renovated or extended, check with the local council to ensure that a building permit was obtained. Illegal alterations could become your responsibility if you buy the property, especially if they go against building regulations.

Electrical systems.

  • Are all the light switches and power points in good condition?
  • Look for signs of burns around switches, fittings and fuses.

Plumbing.

  • Do any of the taps, hand basins, toilets, etc. have cracks or leaks?
  • Test the water pressure by turning on several taps simultaneously to see if there is any noticeable pressure drop
  • Check for dampness and soft soil where downpipes meet the ground. They may not have been connected to stormwater.

Outside the property.

Garden.

  • What condition are the fences and gates in? If they are made of wood, make sure to look for signs of rot and deterioration
  • Are there any large trees close to the house? These could cause structural issues
  • Is water run-off from the garden flowing or ponding underneath the house? This could cause excessive damp conditions.

Outside walls.

  • If the doors, window frames, or verandah posts are made of wood – are there any signs of rotting?
  • What is the condition of the mortar between the bricks? Eroding mortar will need to be cleaned out and recapped by a bricklayer. Different coloured mortar may indicate a repaired wall
  • Are there any buckled, badly fitted or water-stained eaves (edges of the roof)? If so, this may indicate roof or gutter problems.

Roof.

  • A sound roof is essential. Look for broken tiles and ridge caps
  • Are iron sheets securely fixed and in good condition?
  • Are gutters free from rust and holes?
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Get pre-qualified before the house hunt.

Pre-qualifying will give you a good ballpark estimate of how much you’ll likely be approved to borrow so there are less surprises when you decide to apply for a loan.

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Buying your first home?

Now that's exciting! If you need a hand learning the lingo or understanding the home buying process, check out the guides, tools, FAQs, and calculators available on our first home buyer hub.

Go to the hub

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