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Pre-settlement inspection checklist

Your right to inspect the property in the week before settlement. Tick off each item so nothing is missed on the day. Progress saves automatically on this device.

  1. Overall condition unchanged The property is in the same state as when you signed, allowing for fair wear and tear. Watch for: New damage that appeared after furniture was moved out.
  2. Contract inclusions present Every chattel listed in the contract (dishwasher, curtains, blinds, light fittings) is still there. Watch for: An included item removed or swapped for a cheaper one.
  3. Fixtures not removed Built-in appliances, heaters, and fixed items that form part of the sale remain in place. Watch for: Holes or wiring where a fixed item used to be.
  4. Appliances and services work Test hot water, heating and cooling, the stove, oven, and any included appliances. Watch for: A heater or hot water unit that does not fire up.
  5. Water and plumbing Run taps, flush toilets, and check under sinks for leaks. Watch for: Low pressure, slow drains, or damp in the cupboards.
  6. Power and lights Test light switches and a sample of power points in each room. Watch for: Dead circuits or fittings left without globes to hide a fault.
  7. Windows and doors Open, close, and lock windows and external doors; check the glass. Watch for: Cracked glass or a lock that no longer works.
  8. Walls, floors, ceilings Look over surfaces now that rooms are empty, including behind where furniture stood. Watch for: Water stains, cracks, or damage previously hidden.
  9. Belongings and rubbish cleared The property and yard are empty unless you agreed otherwise. Watch for: A garage or shed still full of the vendor's goods.
  10. Keys and remotes accounted for All door keys, window keys, garage remotes, alarm codes, and mailbox keys are ready to hand over. Watch for: Missing remotes or only one set of keys for the home.
  11. Agreed repairs completed Anything the vendor agreed in writing to fix has been done. Watch for: A promised repair that is incomplete or not started.
  12. Outside and equipment Check the garden, fences, and any pool or spa equipment that forms part of the sale. Watch for: Removed plants, a damaged fence, or absent pool gear.

When and why to do it

In Victoria you are usually entitled to a final inspection in the seven days before settlement. It is not a second building inspection: it confirms the property is in the condition the contract promised, that included items are still there, and that agreed repairs are done.

Once settlement completes, raising problems is much harder. This inspection is the moment to catch anything, while your conveyancer can still act before funds change hands.

What if something is wrong?

Tell your conveyancer straight away, ideally before settlement day, with photos. Options can include a delay or a hold-back, and how they apply depends on the contract and your circumstances, which is exactly what your conveyancer works through.

For the wider picture of what happens in this window, see our guides to the pre-settlement inspection and settlement day.

General information only. This checklist is a guide for a pre-settlement inspection in Victoria. It is not legal advice and does not replace a licensed conveyancer. Raise any issues with your conveyancer before settlement.

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Related reading

The pre-settlement inspection

Your final-inspection rights and how the week before settlement works.

Settlement day, explained

What happens at settlement and who does what.

Between contract and settlement

What your conveyancer does in the weeks before settlement.