Do I Need to Tell the Buyer About Repairs or Renovations I’ve Done? Vendor Disclosure in Victoria

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What Do You Need to Disclose as a Vendor in Victoria?

Under the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic), vendors are legally required to provide a Vendor Statement (Section 32 Statement) before the contract is signed. This must contain:

  • Title and planning information

  • Outgoings (rates, land tax, etc.)

  • Building permits issued within the last 7 years

  • Notices or orders affecting the property

  • Any known building defects or hazards

  • Any owners corporation matters (if applicable)

Failure to disclose something material may give the purchaser grounds to rescind the contract or sue after settlement.

Renovations, Repairs, and the Owner-Builder Trap

Many vendors don’t realise that DIY renovations, extensions, or structural repairs may trigger disclosure obligations—even if no permits were obtained.

You must disclose if:

  • You conducted building works as an owner-builder

  • You did works requiring a permit but never obtained one

  • You received a building permit within the last 7 years (regardless of whether the work is completed or inspected)

If you lived in the property while doing the works, you may also need to supply:

  • A Defects Report

  • Owner-builder insurance if the property is sold within 6 years and 6 months of the works

These requirements are supported by the Building Act 1993 (Vic) and are often enforced by purchasers when defects later arise.

What If You Don’t Disclose It?

Purchasers may:

  • Rescind the contract if the Vendor Statement is defective

  • Refuse to settle or demand compensation

  • Make a post-settlement claim under Australian Consumer Law for misleading conduct

  • Lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria

At Victorian Property Settlements, we’ve seen post-sale claims over:

  • Unpermitted decking

  • Garage conversions

  • Bathroom waterproofing jobs

  • Structural roof works hidden behind cosmetic renovations

What Should You Do If You’re Unsure?

“If in doubt—disclose it,” says David Dawn, Licensed Conveyancer at Victorian Property Settlements.

We advise vendors to:

  • Tell us about any building works, repairs, upgrades, or alterations

  • Let us determine what is and isn’t disclosable under the Section 32

  • Be upfront with buyers—transparency avoids future litigation

Real Estate Agents Take Note: Don’t Gloss Over Renovations

Agents should never downplay works that may raise red flags. If a buyer later discovers an undisclosed building permit or structural modification, the blame often spreads—vendor, agent, and conveyancer alike.

Final Thoughts

Transparency is not just best practice—it’s the law. Disclosing renovations, repairs, and permits protects everyone in the transaction. You don’t want a claim six months after settlement that could have been avoided with a simple statement.

Selling and Unsure What to Disclose?

Victorian Property Settlements – Trusted by vendors across Victoria for over 25 years.
📍 Frankston | 📞 03 9783 0111 | ✉️ david@quick32.com
🌐 www.victorianpropertysettlements.com.au