Updated June 2024 by Andrew Mackintosh
Apartment Inspection Checklist: Hidden Problems You Can Avoid
Welcome to the Brisbane housing crisis, where you’re having to learn how to buy an apartment instead of a house. You’d think being a smaller space would make the whole thing simpler, but alas no. It’s a learning curve, especially for first home buyers. So, here’s an apartment checklist for buying a flat in Brisbane.
Looks can be deceiving
It’s easier to make an apartment look great than it is a whole house. So, open homes in apartment blocks are usually impressive. Everything in the apartment looks nice and neat and well staged. High rise apartments boast large windows so the space will be flooded with light and it will ‘feel’ like a good investment from the outset. Be careful. Make sure you check out the common areas too, and where you can, chat with the other tenants.
Learn more about first home buying in Brisbane
What are the different types of apartment inspections?
There are two main components to your apartment inspection checklist: the strata report or body corporate search and a professional pre-purchase building inspection. Both of these are easy to organise and together will help you make an informed decision.
1. Strata search
The main purpose of the strata search is to be informed about the overall property you are looking to buy. There may be ongoing issues with the building that are not obvious but you can be guaranteed that the strata report will uncover all there is to know and ensure you are aware of any hidden problems that you can most definitely avoid.
A big trap for first time buyers
Put some reading on your apartment checklist! Once you buy into an apartment block you have a financial responsibility to contribute to repairs and upkeep. If you buy into an apartment block with major faults, that could turn into an unexpected bill for thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A strata report, in addition to a copy of the latest Annual General Meeting (AGM) minutes, will offer details relating to the following:
- annual body corporate fees
- current financial status
- pending or past maintenance and repair work
- reported defects and plans to address them
- previous or proposed special levies
- building insurance
- history of disputes or legal claims.
When purchasing an apartment, this report will paint the full picture and help you to identify hidden costs. It will also report concerns about ongoing issues that may highlight future expenses to which you could be expected to contribute.
2. Pre-purchase building inspection
Do you really need a pre-purchase building inspection for an apartment given the size compared to a home? Oh my sweet summer child… apartments pose a bigger risk than a home. Whilst the inspection of an apartment can be completed in a much shorter time than a house, it is still very much an essential part of the equation. Knowing exactly what you are buying is critical, especially if there are unexpected hidden expenses coming your way.
RED FLAG: If they refuse you access, you need to find out exactly why. Buying into an apartment building is a risk, old, new, high, six pack, it doesn’t matter, there are risks to buying into a communal building. So, don’t buy unless you can access everything.
An inspection can mitigate your risks. The report they provide will help but there may be specific issues with your intended new home and surrounds that have not been detected or reported.
What does a pre-purchase apartment inspection report cover?
A building inspection will consider both the internal areas of your apartment or unit as well as the immediate exterior.
Interior spaces
A room-by-room inspection will identify any defects or concerns. It is important to be aware that issues commonly found in homes are also often present in an apartment too. Rising damp, electrical faults, cracks in walls, concerns with water pressure and even the presence of termites may be found.
Exterior concerns
Before buying an apartment, you should request a copy of the latest Annual General Meeting (AGM) notes, visit the complex during the day and at night to gauge the living environment and noise level, organise a strata search and most importantly have your apartment professionally assessed.
Do you need a structural engineer?
Structural engineers can do a far more comprehensive building inspection if you’ve got concerns about the integrity of the structure, the water, power or air-conditioning supply or if the building inspector raises any red flags. Structural engineer inspections are not cheap. If we find a serious issue, it’s probably smarter to simply walk away.
Why get a professional apartment inspection before purchase
Don’t take the look of an apartment or unit you intend to purchase at face value. Only the experts in property inspections will be able to advise you whether your investment is sound and, most importantly, safe. Hidden expenses can be avoided.
You can choose to be present for your inspection, too. Even though you are entitled to a detailed report outlining noted concerns, it pays to be present. For an investment of a few hundred dollars a building and pest inspection will give you peace of mind. You may uncover hidden information about your intended purchase, which may help you to negotiate the purchase price or empower you to walk away.
Get our printable apartment inspection checklist
Buying a flat is a tricker business than buying a home. You’ll need to talk to your lawyer to fully understand the obligations in your strata agreement. It’s stressful. We’ve developed a free downloadable apartment inspection checklist to help you through the initial walk through.
