There’s a Wombat Under My House – What Victorian Homeowners and Buyers Need to Know
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The Unexpected Housemate: When a Wombat Moves In
Finding a wombat burrow under your house is not just a quirky anecdote — it’s a serious property issue that can affect your structural foundations, drainage, pest management, and even the validity of your contract if you’re mid-transaction.
As explained by David Dawn, Licensed Conveyancer at Victorian Property Settlements, wombat activity is not uncommon in peri-urban and regional areas of Victoria, especially near bushland, creeks, and nature corridors. But under the wrong house, at the wrong time, it can become a significant concern.
Can a Wombat Burrow Really Cause Damage?
Absolutely. Wombats are powerful diggers, and their burrows can extend more than 20 metres in length and several metres underground. When built under or near homes, these tunnels may:
Undermine stumps, piers or shallow concrete slabs, creating uneven floors or foundation shifts.
Alter stormwater or subsurface drainage, contributing to rising damp or localised flooding.
Create a risk of soil collapse in yards, driveways, or retaining walls.
Attract other pests, such as snakes, feral cats, or foxes who opportunistically occupy the burrow.
If undetected, the issue may worsen over time — and correcting it isn't as simple as just filling in the hole.
Wombats Are Protected – You Can’t Just Remove Them
Under the Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic), wombats are a protected native species. This means:
You cannot legally disturb, destroy, or block an active burrow without first obtaining an Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
Attempting to remove or trap a wombat yourself is unlawful and may attract fines or prosecution.
Any mitigation measures must be approved and often require a licensed wildlife handler.
This legal framework complicates matters for both vendors and purchasers who discover a burrow during a building inspection or post-purchase.
Purchasing a Property with a Wombat Problem
If you’ve already signed a contract and a subsequent building and pest report identifies a wombat burrow:
Review your contract for any "subject to inspection" clauses that might allow withdrawal or negotiation.
If the burrow poses a structural threat, or if its existence was known and undisclosed by the vendor, you may have legal grounds to seek a price reduction or rescind the contract.
Seek professional advice early — especially before settlement — to preserve your options.
At Victorian Property Settlements, we frequently advise buyers on how to respond to building reports that uncover previously undisclosed risks like active burrows, pest infestations, or defective decks.
Selling a Property with a Wombat Burrow? Disclose It
Vendors in Victoria have a legal obligation under the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic) to disclose known issues that affect the land. If a wombat burrow exists and is known to the vendor, this should be disclosed in the Section 32 Vendor Statement.
Failure to do so may amount to misrepresentation, exposing the vendor to claims of misleading conduct, price renegotiation, or contract rescission.
What Should You Do If You Find a Wombat Under Your Home?
Do not disturb the burrow or attempt to fill it in.
Contact DEECA on 136 186 to seek advice and begin the ATCW process if needed.
Engage a licensed builder or engineer to assess any risk to the structure.
Notify your insurer — although cover for wildlife damage may be limited.
Record all findings and reports in writing.
Need Help Navigating a Wombat-Related Property Issue?
Whether you’re buying or selling, dealing with a wombat burrow requires a professional and compliant approach.
At Victorian Property Settlements, we provide clear, experienced advice to ensure you know your rights and obligations under Victorian property law.
Trusted for over 25 years by Victorian buyers and sellers.
Visit: www.victorianpropertysettlements.com.au