Your KDD Conveyancing Pre-Settlement Checklist for First Home Buyers in WA
Buying your first home is exciting. By the time property settlement approaches, most buyers are already thinking about moving boxes, furniture placement and finally getting the keys. That is exactly why the final inspection deserves your attention. At KDD Conveyancing, we often see first home buyers treat the pre-settlement inspection as just another item on the property settlement Perth to-do list. In reality, it is one of your last opportunities to confirm that the property you are settling on is the same property you agreed to buy.
In Western Australia, buyers are generally given the opportunity to carry out a final inspection within five business days before settlement or possession. The purpose is not to carry out a fresh building inspection. Instead, it is to confirm the property remains in essentially the same condition as when the contract was signed, with agreed inclusions in place and any special conditions attended to.
Understanding this distinction can make the settlement process far less stressful for first home buyers. So we created our own property settlement perth guide to cover the basics.
What a pre-settlement inspection is really for
A pre-settlement inspection before you settle the property is not about changing the deal at the last minute. It is simply about confirming the seller has met the contract as agreed.
In practical terms, you are checking three key things:
- The property is in the same general condition as when you agreed to purchase it
- The fixtures, fittings and inclusions listed in the contract remain in place
- Any agreed repairs or special conditions have been completed
Many buyers rely on memory when checking the property. A better approach is to inspect the home against the contract so you know exactly what should be present at settlement. Your conveyancer can help.
What first home buyers most commonly miss
Most buyers look for obvious problems during the inspection. What often gets overlooked are the smaller details that only become frustrating after settlement.
Items included in the sale
If something was included in the contract, it should still be there.
This may include appliances, remote controls, light fittings, curtains, or smaller items such as shed keys and garage remotes. These are easy to overlook during a quick inspection.
Agreed property repairs
If the seller agreed to repair something before settlement, confirm that the work has been completed.
Examples might include repairing a cracked window, fixing damaged carpet or resolving a leaking tap. It is always best to verify the work rather than assume it has been done.
Working order of key fixtures
Many WA contracts include conditions requiring gas, electrical and plumbing fixtures to be in working order at settlement.
This is your opportunity to turn on lights, test appliances and confirm the basics are functioning properly.
Damage after the contract was signed
A settlement period can last several weeks or months. During that time, damage can occur.
Storms, tenants moving out, or general wear can affect the property. Even small issues such as a cracked window or damaged fence panel should be raised before settlement.
What should have been removed
The inspection is also about confirming the property has been properly cleared.
Sheds, garages and yards are occasionally left with unwanted items such as paint tins, old chemicals or rubbish. These should not become your responsibility once settlement is complete.
While the property is often not vacant at the time of the final inspection, asking the question as to the seller’s plan to remove any remaining items is a good idea and can give you peace of mind.
Your practical pre-settlement checklist
When you attend the inspection, bring a copy of your contract. Relying on memory can easily lead to things being missed.
Work through the property slowly and methodically. You can even print out our property settlement perth guide to help remind you of the essentials.
Inside the property
Your pre-settlement inspection is for checking if the property condition matches what was present when the offer was made. Items such as marks, wear, stains or minor damage are usually only relevant if you have evidence, such as photos, showing they were not there at that time.
Electrical items
Turn on light switches and test power points where possible. Check appliances such as the oven, cooktop, range hood, air conditioner and garage door motor if they are included in the sale.
Plumbing
Run taps and check water pressure. Turn on hot water, flush toilets and look under sinks for signs of leaks.
If the property includes reticulation, bore equipment or pool equipment, make sure these items are present and appear functional.
WA Consumer Protection also recommends making an offer conditional upon all gas, electrical and plumbing equipment being in working order at settlement.
Kitchen and laundry
Open cupboards and drawers and confirm fixed appliances remain in place. Make sure nothing has been removed or substituted since your last inspection.
Outdoor areas
Walk the entire block, not just the path to the front door. Check fences, gates, paving, the letterbox, clothesline, shed and reticulation systems.
Clean-up and removals
Confirm that unwanted goods or rubbish have been removed if that was expected under the agreement.
What to bring to the inspection
The inspection does not require complicated equipment. A few simple items will help you keep track of what you see.
Bring:
- A copy of the contract
- An inspection checklist (Your KDD Agent can provide one)
- Your smartphone for photos and notes
- A torch and phone charger (Optional)
Photos are particularly helpful if anything needs to be raised with your conveyancer afterwards. The more photos you take, the better you are prepared.
What to do if something is wrong
If something does not match the condition outlined in the contract, contact your conveyancer as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, the next step may involve requesting the seller rectify the issue before settlement or negotiating an adjustment before settlement proceeds.
While uncommon, there have been cases where items such as premium appliances or finishings shown during the initial inspection are replaced with different/base model items before settlement or removed entirely.
Sellers may choose to complete a disclosure statement through their real estate agent. Although these are not compulsory under Western Australian law, they can provide a useful written record of what items are included in the sale and what the seller intends to remove.
Why this step matters for first home buyers
Experienced buyers often approach the inspection with a clear plan because they have been through the process before. First home buyers are navigating the settlement process for the first time. There is new terminology, paperwork and timelines to understand while planning a move.
New home buyers are sometimes surprised to discover that items they assumed were included (such as a reticulation system) were removed because they were not specifically listed in the contract of sale. Situations like this are among the many lessons first home buyers encounter during their first property purchase.
How KDD Conveyancing helps
At KDD Conveyancing, we guide first home buyers through the settlement process from start to finish. That includes helping you understand what to look for during your pre-settlement inspection and how to address any issues that arise before settlement.
With the right preparation and our property settlement perth guide, settlement day becomes what it should be: a smooth handover and the beginning of life in your new home. If you are buying your first home and would like experienced guidance through the settlement process, contact Contact KDD Conveyancing today to start the process.
