The Ultimate Final Property Walkthrough Checklist For SA Buyers

Quick Answer: The pre-settlement inspection in SA is the purchaser's last opportunity to verify that the home is in the exact same condition as when the contract was originally signed. Usually, this walkthrough is scheduled just before the keys are handed over to ensure the vendor has met all their contractual obligations. It is a critical step in the transition of responsibility from the seller to the buyer.


Scheduling the Walkthrough: Timing is Everything


The window for a final inspection is narrow and must be managed carefully to allow time for any potential issues to be addressed. Most conveyancers recommend performing the inspection very late in the campaign. This allows you to see the empty house, making it much easier to spot holes in walls or floor damage that may have been hidden by furniture during previous viewings.



You cannot use this visit to complain about things that were already broken when you signed the contract. If a tap was leaking three weeks ago when you bought the place, the vendor is generally not required to fix it now—unless it was a specific condition of the sale.




The Ultimate Checklist: A Room-by-Room Breakdown


During your walkthrough, you should be systematic to ensure nothing is overlooked. Focus your attention on these key functional areas:



Operational Fixtures and Fittings: Flick every switch to ensure the electrical system is functioning as expected. Make sure the climate control systems are responding correctly to the thermostat.
Plumbing and Wet Areas: Turn on every faucet to verify flow and watch for drips under the sinks or basins. A leaking toilet or a blocked drain found after settlement can be an expensive and frustrating first-day problem.
Kitchen Appliances: Ensure the oven heats up and the rangehood fan operates on all speed settings. Check that the stovetop is the same unit specified in the contract.
External Areas and Security: Test all door locks, security screens, and remote garage doors. The vendor is responsible for removing all rubbish and personal effects unless otherwise agreed.


Ensuring Inclusions are Present


The standard REISA contract contains a section for items that stay with the home. Common items like window treatments should remain in place. If you notice a missing inclusion, take a photo and contact your conveyancer.


How to Handle New Damage Before Settlement


Discovering a problem during the final walkthrough often causes anxiety, but there is a legal framework for handling the situation. Your immediate action is to notify your agent and conveyancer without delay.



Solutions usually involve one of the following approaches:



{{Rectification by the Vendor|The Seller Fixes It}: {The {vendor|seller} {arranges for a repair|fixes the damage} {prior to the settlement time|before the keys are handed over}.|This is the simplest solution, provided there is enough time before the final deadline.}
{{Financial Adjustment|Price Reduction|Settlement Holdback}: {{A sum of money is deducted|Funds are withheld} from the {final settlement price|total payment} to {cover the cost of repairs|compensate the buyer}.|Your conveyancer can negotiate a 'holdback' of funds where a portion of the sale price is kept in a trust account until the repair is completed.}
{{Delayed Settlement|Postponing the Closing}: {In {extreme cases|rare scenarios} involving {major structural damage|significant issues}, {settlement may be delayed|the closing date can be pushed back} until the {property is restored|issue is resolved}.|This is a last resort and should only be done under strict legal advice to avoid being in breach of contract yourself.}


{{FAQ Section|Frequently Asked Questions|Common Queries}|Common Questions About Pre-Settlement Inspections in SA}


{Is the vendor required to professionally clean the house?|Does the property have to be sparkling clean?|What is the standard of cleanliness required at settlement?}
{In {South Australia|SA}, the {legal requirement|standard contract} is usually "{broom clean|neat and tidy}" condition.|Unless you have a special condition stating otherwise, the vendor is not legally required to pay for a professional "end of lease" style clean.} {This means the {rubbish must be removed|personal items must be gone} and the {floors should be swept|house should be presented reasonably}, but {minor dust or a dirty oven|imperfections} {are generally not grounds|do not allow you} to {delay settlement|withhold funds}.|While we all hope for a pristine home, the legal bar is simply that it is clear of debris and in a similar state to when it was sold.}
{What if the vendor is still moving out during my walkthrough?|Can I still inspect if the seller hasn't finished packing?|What happens if the house isn't empty yet?}
{{It is common complaints about how real estate agents operate in regional south australia estate agents australia (Suggested Internet page)|It frequently happens} that {vendors are still packing|the move is still in progress} {during the inspection|when you arrive}.|This is not ideal as it can hide damage, but it is often the reality of simultaneous settlements.} {If this occurs, {ensure you check|make sure to inspect} the {high-traffic areas|main rooms} and {ask the agent|request} to {return for a final 5-minute check|verify the empty spaces} {just before the final hour|once the truck is loaded}.|If the house is still cluttered, take extra care to check behind furniture for any hidden issues.}
{Can I bring a builder to the final walkthrough?|Am I allowed to have an expert join me for the inspection?|Should I bring a professional inspector to the walkthrough?}
{Yes, you are {permitted|allowed|within your rights} to {bring an advisor|have a support person} {with you|at the inspection}.|While not a full building inspection, having a knowledgeable friend or professional can help you stay focused on the functional checks.} {However, {remember|keep in mind} the {purpose|goal} is to {identify new damage|check contractual compliance}, not to {find old defects|start a new building report}.|The time to find structural flaws was during your cooling-off period; this visit is strictly about ensuring the property hasn't deteriorated.}