Pre Settlement Inspection Melbourne: Common Defects to Check

The final countdown to property ownership in Victoria is an exhilarating time. You’ve navigated the auctions, finalized the finance, and packed the boxes. However, before the final funds are transferred and the keys are placed in your hand, there is one last line of defense: the final walkthrough. A pre settlement inspection Melbourne is your legal right to ensure the property is in the same condition as when you signed the contract. In the 2026 Melbourne market where rapid “pre-sale” cosmetic touch-ups are common knowing exactly what to look for can save you thousands in immediate repair costs. At Core Building Inspections in Victoria, we’ve seen how a 60-minute thorough check can reveal hidden issues that would otherwise become the buyer’s financial burden the moment settlement occurs.

The Legal Framework in Victoria

Under standard Victorian Sale of Land contracts, the vendor is required to deliver the property in the “same condition” as the day of sale, fair wear and tear excepted. This includes ensuring all fixtures and “chattels” (items included in the sale) are present and that all fixed appliances are in working order. If you skip your pre-settlement inspection, you are effectively accepting the property “as is,” including any new damage caused by the vendor moving out or appliances that have failed during the settlement period.

Ultimate Pre-Settlement Checklist: Common Defects

To help you navigate this final stage, we have categorized the most common defects found during inspection.

1. Plumbing and Wet Area Failures

Plumbing issues are the most frequent “hidden” defects. Because houses often sit empty for a few weeks before settlement, seals can dry out or blockages can occur.

• The Taps: Turn on every tap. Check for water pressure and ensure there are no leaks from the handles or the base.

• The Drainage: Fill the kitchen sink and bathroom basins to the brim, then release the water. It should drain rapidly without gurgling a sign of a clear sewer line.

• Under the Vanity: Open the cupboards under sinks. Look for fresh water stains or dampness on the baseboards, which often indicate a slow leak that was previously hidden by the vendor’s toiletries.

2. Electrical and Appliance Functionality

Every fixed appliance mentioned in your contract must work. Do not assume the oven works just because it looks clean.

• The Oven and Stovetop: Switch on all elements and the grill. Check that the fan in the oven is spinning.

• Heating and Cooling: Even in a Melbourne winter, turn on the air conditioning. In summer, blast the ducted heating. You need to know the thermostat communicates with the unit correctly.

• Light Switches: Toggle every switch. If a bulb is out, ask the agent to have the vendor replace it so you can verify the fixture itself isn’t faulty.

3. Move-Out Damage (The “Removalist” Factor)

Moving furniture is a high-impact activity. It is remarkably common for walls to be dented or floors to be scratched during the move-out process.

• Wall Integrity: Look for new holes in the plaster, especially in narrow hallways or near front doors.

• Flooring: Check for deep gouges in floorboards or fresh stains on the carpet that weren’t there on open-house day.

• Windows: Open and close every window. Check for new cracks in the glass that might have occurred if a window was slammed or hit by furniture.

4. External Areas and “Vacant Possession”

A pre settlement inspection Melbourne walkthrough must include the garage and garden.

• Rubbish Removal: “Vacant possession” means the house must be clear of the vendor’s junk. Check the garage, behind the shed, and under the house for old paint tins, tires, or broken furniture.

• Garage Doors: Test the remote and the manual wall button. Automatic motors are expensive to replace and frequently fail.

Why Use a Trusted Pre Settlement Inspection Service?

While many buyers do this check themselves, a trusted pre settlement inspection service provides a level of technical scrutiny that the average person lacks.

At Core Building Inspections in Victoria, we bring moisture meters to detect leaks behind tiles and thermal cameras to check for electrical hotspots. More importantly, we provide an independent, third-party report. If you find a defect, a professional report carries significantly more weight when your solicitor or conveyancer negotiates a “monetary holdback” from the vendor.

What Happens If You Find a Defect?

If your pre-settlement inspection in Melbourne uncovers an issue, do not panic, but do not ignore it. You have three main options:

1. Request Rectification: The vendor fixes the issue before the settlement time.

2. Negotiate a Price Reduction: The cost of the repair is deducted from the final payment.

3. Monetary Holdback: Your solicitor requests that a portion of the funds (e.g., $2,000) be held in a trust account until the vendor fixes the problem post-settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When should I book my pre-settlement inspection in Melbourne?

A: Ideally, schedule it 3 to 7 days before settlement. This gives the vendor enough time to move most of their items (revealing hidden floors and walls) while still leaving you time to negotiate repairs if issues are found.

Q: Can I refuse to settle if I find a defect?

A: In Victoria, you usually cannot refuse to settle over minor defects or “fair wear and tear.” However, for significant issues or non-functional appliances, your solicitor can negotiate a settlement adjustment.

Q: Does the house have to be “professionally cleaned”?

A: Unless specifically written into your contract, the vendor is only required to leave the house in a “reasonably clean” state. This usually means “broom clean,” not necessarily steam-cleaned carpets.

Q: Should I bring my original “Section 32” or contract to the inspection?

A: Yes! You need to verify that all “chattels” (like the dishwasher, specific light fittings, or curtains) that were listed in the contract are still physically in the house.

Q: What if the garden is dying or the pool is green?

A: If the garden or pool was pristine when you signed the contract, the vendor has an obligation to maintain them. This is a common point of negotiation during a pre settlement inspection melbourne.

Conclusion: Protect Your Investment

The final walkthrough is the only time you have leverage as a buyer. Once the money is gone, your ability to get the vendor to fix a leaking pipe or a broken heater drops to zero. By conducting a thorough pre-settlement inspection in Victoria, you ensure that your transition into your new home is a celebration, not a series of expensive surprises. Need a professional eye for your final walkthrough? Contact Core Building Inspections in Victoria today to book your expert pre-settlement audit and settle with total peace of mind.