Inspecting properties
Recording evidence and questions to ask the agent
A contemporaneous inspection record beats memory — and why an agent's answer is evidence a statement was made, not independent confirmation of the underlying fact.
- Record the date, exact location of each concern and any agent statement while it's fresh, not from memory later.
- An agent's answer is a statement, not verified fact — follow up with the actual document where it matters.
- Property-history, renovation, insurance and accessibility questions apply to any property.
- Apartments need additional questions about levies, major works, defects and title boundaries.
Record before you forget
A contemporaneous record beats memory — note the date and time, weather, who attended, the exact location of each concern (not just "the bathroom" but which wall, which corner), and any agent statement you want to follow up. Photograph with permission, and note anything that doesn't match the listing or floor plan. If something needs a repeat visit or a professional opinion, write down exactly why while it's fresh.
An agent's answer is a statement, not a verified fact
Recording what an agent tells you is genuinely useful — but record it as "the agent said X", not as a confirmed fact. Agents are relaying what they've been told by the vendor, and their statements aren't independent verification. Where something matters, follow up with the actual document — a permit, a certificate, the Section 32 — rather than relying on the verbal answer alone.
Property-condition questions worth asking
How long has the vendor owned the property? What renovations or repairs have been completed, when, and by whom? Are permits, certificates, plans and invoices for that work available? Has the property experienced leaks, flooding, pest activity or structural movement? Have any insurance claims been made on the property? Are appliances included, and are they actually operational? Are any areas inaccessible today, and can they be made accessible for a professional inspection? Has the vendor already commissioned a building or pest report you could see?
Apartment-specific questions
Are any special levies proposed or being discussed? Are major works planned for the building? Are there known defects — especially cladding, waterproofing or façade issues? Are there current owners-corporation disputes or legal proceedings? Is the car space or storage on title, or common property? Are there short-stay, pet or renovation restrictions in the rules?
Practical checklist
Recording your inspection
- Note date, time, weather, attendees and exact location of every concern
- Photograph with permission, and note anything that doesn't match the listing or floor plan
- Record agent statements as statements, not confirmed facts
- Write down exactly why any issue needs a repeat visit or professional opinion
- Ask for the actual document (permit, certificate, record) for anything that matters to your decision
Questions for a professional
- Has this property experienced leaks, flooding, pest activity or structural movement?
- Are permits, certificates, plans and invoices available for any recent work?
- Has a building or pest report already been commissioned, and can I see it?