Does a Buyer’s Agent Need to Be Present for a Home Inspection?
It’s a common question we get from property buyers during the due diligence phase: Does a buyer’s agent go to the inspection? The short answer is, they don’t need to be there for the physical inspection, but having them involved is a huge advantage that adds a crucial layer of professional analysis to your purchase.
Let’s discuss the two main kinds of inspections and how a seasoned Brisbane buyer’s agent can help you with each one.
1. The Building and Pest Inspection (The Due Diligence Check)
Before your property purchase contract becomes unconditional, this inspection takes place. Its purpose is to uncover significant structural defects or pest infestations (like termites) that could make the property a costly mistake.
Who does building inspections?
A licensed, independent building inspector (often with a separate pest specialist) is the only professional qualified to conduct this report. They are the eyes and ears on the ground, and their written report is the legal document you rely on to make your purchase decision or renegotiate the price.
Should the buyer’s agent be present at the home inspection?
It’s not strictly necessary for the agent to be there because the inspector’s job is to produce a comprehensive report. However, there are significant benefits if they attend:
Real-Time Clarification: A great buyer’s agent has a trained eye and knows what questions to ask the inspector right then and there. They can clarify the severity of an issue—is that a major structural flaw or a minor maintenance job? This helps prevent overreacting to a scary-sounding report item.
Negotiation Strategy: Your agent understands the difference between a deal-breaker and a negotiating point. If they see the defect first-hand, they can more accurately and confidently frame a price reduction request to the selling agent, ensuring they don’t over-ask or under-ask.
Time-Saving for You: If you’re buying interstate or simply pressed for time, having your trusted advocate attend on your behalf ensures a professional is present to hear the verbal summary, even if you can’t be there yourself.
When to get a building inspection when buying a house
You should arrange the Building and Pest Inspection as soon as your offer is accepted. Besides, the contract is signed subject to a satisfactory report. The faster you get this done, the sooner you can remove the condition and secure the property or, conversely, walk away without penalty.
2. The Pre-Settlement Inspection (The Final Walk-Through)
This inspection is your final chance to view the property, usually done three to seven days before settlement.
Does the agent need to be present for the home inspection?
No, the Pre-Settlement Inspection is primarily about checking two things:
Condition: Is the property in the same condition as when you signed the contract (accounting for fair wear and tear)? Has the vendor caused any damage while moving out?
Inclusions/Exclusions: Are all the fixtures and fittings (like the dishwasher, blinds, and light fittings) that were specified in the contract still there and in working order? Have the owners removed all their rubbish?
While many buyers prefer to do this walk-through themselves—since it’s a final, personal check—your agent’s involvement can be highly valuable if:
You’re Not Local: If you’re an interstate buyer, your local buyer’s agent is essential here. They will conduct the inspection, photograph the premises, and confirm all is in order on your behalf.
Issues Arise: If you discover a significant breach (e.g., a massive hole in the wall, a missing fixture), having your buyer’s advocate on the spot means they can immediately contact the selling agent and start the process of rectifying the issue with your conveyancer’s guidance, potentially saving you a settlement delay.
Units and Townhouses: The Strata Inspection Difference
When you’re buying a unit or townhouse, your due diligence doesn’t stop with the individual property. You’re buying into a complex managed by a Body Corporate (or Owners Corporation), and you need a Strata Report. Ignoring this is one of the most common and expensive mistakes buyers make when purchasing shared property.
What it is: A professional consultant reviews the Body Corporate’s financial records, minutes of meetings, budgets, and insurance policies.
What it uncovers: The report reveals crucial details like:
Financial Health: Is there enough money in the Body Corporate’s sinking (capital works) fund to pay for significant repairs in the future?
Past Disputes: Could a significant special levy result from any ongoing or past legal disputes, owner complaints, or significant defect issues (such as non-compliant fire safety)?
Upcoming Costs: Will you be expected to contribute to any expensive projects that are planned shortly after settlement, such as roof replacements or lift upgrades?
Consider Us as Your Strategic Partner
Getting the inspection report is only one aspect of due diligence; the other is analysing and strategically applying the report.
The primary responsibility of a buyer’s agent is to oversee the entire due diligence procedure; they plan the inspections, evaluate the results using the market value framework, and leverage these insights during negotiations and settlements.
So, don’t go through the process alone. When you partner with a professional advocate, you ensure that every part of your property purchase, from the first viewing to the final check, is handled with expert care.
Want to secure your next Brisbane property with confidence and clarity? Contact U Buyers Agents today to discuss how we can simplify the due diligence and negotiation process for you.