Your Final Walkthrough: Why a Pre-Settlement Inspection Matters
Buying a property is exciting, but before the keys are officially yours, there is one important step left: the pre-settlement inspection.
Also known as a final walkthrough, this inspection allows you to check the property shortly before settlement and confirm that it remains in substantially the same condition as when you agreed to purchase it.
What is a pre-settlement inspection?
A pre-settlement inspection is your opportunity to check that:
The property has not sustained significant new damage.
Fixtures, fittings and agreed inclusions remain in place.
The seller has complied with their obligations under the contract.
The property is ready for handover.
It is not another building and pest inspection. Rather than searching for hidden or historical defects, you are checking that the property has not significantly changed during the settlement period.
What are your rights in Queensland?
Your right to conduct a pre-settlement inspection will generally be set out in your contract of sale. The timing and scope of the inspection may depend on the contract and any special conditions negotiated between the parties.
The inspection is not an opportunity to renegotiate the purchase price or require every minor imperfection to be repaired. Its purpose is to confirm that the seller has met their contractual obligations and that the property remains substantially as expected.
If you are unsure about your rights or notice something concerning, speak with your conveyancer or solicitor before taking any action.
Pre-settlement inspection checklist
Take your time during the walkthrough and check the following areas carefully.
1. Inclusions
Review your contract and confirm that all agreed inclusions remain at the property. These may include:
Oven and dishwasher
Air-conditioning units
Blinds and curtains
Ceiling fans
Any other specifically included appliances or items
Where practical, briefly check that appliances appear to be working.
2. Fixtures and fittings
Make sure permanent fixtures and fittings remain in place, including light fittings, built-in wardrobes, bathroom fixtures and ceiling fans.
3. New damage
Look for significant damage that was not present when you entered into the contract, such as:
Broken windows
Damaged walls or doors
Significant flooring damage
Damage caused while the seller was moving out
The inspection is not intended to identify every small mark or example of ordinary wear and tear.
4. Cleanliness
Do not necessarily expect a professional deep clean. However, check that the property has been left in the condition required by the contract and is reasonably clean and tidy for handover.
5. External areas
Inspect the gardens, lawns, garage, sheds, driveway and outdoor entertaining areas. Confirm that agreed outdoor inclusions and fixtures remain at the property.
6. Water and electricity
Briefly turn on taps, flush toilets and test a selection of lights and switches. You are not conducting a professional plumbing or electrical inspection, but checking for obvious new problems.
What if you find a problem?
Finding an issue does not automatically mean settlement must be cancelled or delayed. However, you should not ignore it or assume it can be resolved after settlement.
If you discover significant damage, missing inclusions or another possible breach of the contract:
Take clear photographs or videos.
Contact your conveyancer or solicitor immediately.
Do not refuse to settle or withhold funds without first obtaining legal advice.
Depending on the contract and the circumstances, the issue may be resolved through rectification, compensation, a settlement adjustment or another contractual remedy.
Don’t wait until after settlement
Your pre-settlement inspection is one of your final opportunities to identify a problem before ownership transfers to you.
Taking the time to complete a careful walkthrough — and raising any concerns promptly — can help you approach settlement with greater confidence.
Ready for settlement?
If your settlement is approaching and you are unsure about your pre-settlement inspection, or you have discovered an issue at the property, contact Jet Legal before settlement.
Our team can help you understand your rights and guide you through the appropriate next steps.