Property due diligence
checklist
Before you buy, you need to know what you're buying. This checklist covers everything from title searches to building inspections — so nothing surprises you after settlement.
Due diligence protects you from costly surprises
Most buyers focus on location, price, and how the property “feels.” But the details that affect your life after purchase — structural issues, planning restrictions, title problems — are often invisible at inspection.
Due diligence is the process of uncovering these details before you commit. It's not about being paranoid — it's about being informed.
The goal: No surprises after settlement.
The best time to discover a problem is before you own it.
Every item on this checklist exists because someone, somewhere, didn't check it.
What to check before you buy
Organized by category. Use this as your pre-purchase checklist.
Legal & Title
Verify who owns what and any restrictions on the property
Title search
Confirm ownership, lot details, and registered plan
Easements
Check for drainage, access, or utility easements that affect use
Caveats
Identify any third-party interests registered on the title
Covenants
Restrictive covenants can limit building or land use
Contract review
Have a conveyancer or solicitor review before signing
Planning & Zoning
Understand what you can and cannot do with the property
Zoning
Confirm the zone and what uses are permitted
Planning overlays
Heritage, flood, bushfire, vegetation controls
Building permits
Verify all past works were properly permitted
Future development
Check for planned developments nearby
Occupancy certificate
For new builds, confirm Certificate of Occupancy
Physical Condition
Assess the structural and physical state of the property
Building inspection
Independent inspection for structural issues
Pest inspection
Check for termites, borers, and other pests
Asbestos
Properties built before 1990 may contain asbestos
Plumbing & electrical
Age and condition of major systems
Roof & drainage
Gutters, downpipes, and roof condition
Financial & Strata
For apartments and units, extra checks apply
Strata report
Review meeting minutes, finances, and levies
Special levies
Upcoming major works can mean large extra costs
Insurance
Building insurance and any exclusions
Body corporate rules
Pet policies, renovation restrictions, etc.
Sinking fund
Adequate reserves for future maintenance
The cost of due diligence is tiny compared to the cost of missing something
A building inspection costs a few hundred dollars. Fixing structural issues costs tens of thousands. Conveyancing costs a few thousand. Discovering an easement prevents your planned extension? Priceless.
Get a head start on
your due diligence
Our property reports cover planning overlays, risk factors, and key property intelligence — giving you a structured foundation for your due diligence.
Next steps
Continue with the full First Home Buyer Guide, check pricing, or get in touch.
This checklist is general guidance only. Always engage qualified professionals (conveyancers, solicitors, building inspectors) for property-specific advice. Requirements vary by state and property type.