How to Do a Proper Final Inspection Before Settlement

 
 

The final inspection — also known as the pre-settlement inspection — is your last chance to confirm that the property you’re buying is in the same condition as when you signed the contract. But too many buyers treat it like a formality. Here’s how to do it properly and protect yourself before the keys are handed over.

What Is the Final Inspection? Under General Condition 9 of the standard Victorian contract, the purchaser is entitled to inspect the property once in the week before settlement. This is your legal right — and it’s your opportunity to ensure everything is as agreed.

What to Check at Final Inspection

1. Clean and Tenantable Condition
Make sure the property is reasonably clean and suitable for occupancy. If the vendor agreed to a particular level of condition (e.g. professionally cleaned or vacated), this must be honoured.

2. All Goods Sold with the Land Are Present
Check that fixtures and fittings listed in the contract — such as appliances, light fittings, or window coverings — are still there and in good order.

3. Working Services
Test water, gas, electricity, heating, cooling, and appliances. All services should be connected and working. If they’ve been disconnected, you may be entitled to defer settlement or seek compensation.

4. Damage Since Exchange
Look for new damage that may have occurred during the vendor’s move-out. This includes holes in walls, broken tiles, cracked windows, or damage to floors.

5. Unapproved Rubbish or Furniture Left Behind
The property should be vacant unless agreed otherwise. Items dumped in garages, backyards or inside must be removed by the vendor.

Photographs and Comparisons Ideally, you should bring photos or notes from your initial inspection to compare. If the contract is subject to any specific conditions (e.g. repairs or professional cleaning), bring a copy to check compliance.

What If There’s a Problem? If you find issues:

  • Take dated photos

  • Report them to your conveyancer immediately

  • Do not assume they will be fixed unless raised formally

Depending on the severity, you may be able to:

  • Delay settlement

  • Seek financial compensation

  • Withhold funds (in limited cases with legal advice)

Avoiding Disputes At Victorian Property Settlements, we include a custom clause in our contracts requiring the property to be handed over in clean and tenantable condition, with all services connected and working. We also ensure that this clause survives settlement and does not merge.

Need Help or Have Questions? If you’re unsure what to look for at your final inspection, or if you find something wrong, speak to our team before settlement occurs.

Click here to get in touch or learn more about our purchaser-side contract protections.

Victorian Property Settlements – Trusted for over 25 years by Victorian buyers and sellers. Visit: www.victorianpropertysettlements.com.au