Qualified & Registered Building Experts
Pre-Settlement Inspection Melbourne
A pre-settlement inspection is your final check of the property before the funds transfer and ownership changes hands. It confirms the property is in the same condition as when you signed the contract — and that any agreed repairs have been completed. If something isn’t right, you need to know before settlement, not after.
What Is a Pre-Settlement Inspection?
A pre-settlement inspection (also called a final inspection) is a walkthrough of the property conducted in the days immediately before settlement. It is not a full building inspection — it’s a focused check to confirm:
- The property is in the same condition as at the time of purchase
- No new damage has occurred since the contract was signed
- Any repairs or inclusions agreed in the contract have been completed
- All fixtures, fittings, and chattels included in the sale are still present
Under Victorian property law, you are entitled to conduct a pre-settlement inspection — typically within the last 5 business days before settlement. If you have not already arranged a full pre-purchase building inspection or building and pest inspection, keep in mind this service is a final-condition check only.
Why You Need an Independent Handover Inspection?
Your builder will conduct their own handover walkthrough — but they’re assessing their own work. An independent inspection by a qualified third party gives you an unbiased assessment, identifies defects your builder may have overlooked (or not mentioned), and gives you a formal, documented record you can act on.
Without one, you risk taking possession of a home with defects that are much harder — and more expensive — to address once you’ve settled. For brand-new homes at practical completion, a dedicated new home handover inspection is usually the more suitable service.
What We Check During a Pre-Settlement Inspection?
Our inspectors conduct a thorough walkthrough of the entire property, including:
Interior
Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows for new damage or changes
Wet Areas
bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen for leaks or damage
Fixtures & Appliances
walls and ceilings, plasterboard finish, paint quality, cornices, and fixings
Agreed Repairs
confirming any vendor-agreed repairs have been properly completed
Exterior
external walls, roof (visual), garage, sheds, fencing, and garden
Services
basic function checks on plumbing, hot water, and electrical fixtures
Why Book a Professional Pre-Settlement Inspection?
Many buyers conduct their own pre-settlement inspection — and miss things. A professional inspection by a qualified building practitioner means:
- Nothing is overlooked — we know exactly what to look for
- Findings are documented with photos and written evidence
- You have a professional report to support any dispute with the vendor or their agent
- You go into settlement with complete confidence
If issues are found, your solicitor can seek a delayed settlement, request a price adjustment, or require the vendor to rectify problems before you proceed.
When Should You Book?
Book your pre-settlement inspection as soon as your settlement date is confirmed — ideally 2–3 business days before settlement. This gives your solicitor enough time to act on any findings before the settlement deadline.
We offer fast scheduling and same-day reports to make sure your timeline is never compromised.
What to Expect – 3 Simple Steps
Request a free quote
Fill out our online form with your property details and inspection type.
Receive your quote
No surprises. We confirm the price before anything is booked.
Inspection done
Choose your preferred day. We inspect and deliver your report the same day.
Settlement coming up? Don’t skip the final check
Same-day reports. No hidden fees. Backed by real engineering expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pre-settlement inspection the same as a building inspection?
No – they serve different purposes. A building inspection assesses the overall condition of a property before purchase, and a building and pest inspection also includes termite and timber pest checks. A pre-settlement inspection is a final check to confirm condition and contract compliance just before the funds are transferred.
What happens if we find damage or missing items?
We document the findings in a report and you pass them to your solicitor immediately. They can negotiate with the vendor’s solicitor for rectification, a price adjustment, or in serious cases, a delayed settlement.
Can you do a pre-settlement inspection on short notice?
Yes — we understand settlement timelines are tight. Call us on 1300 637 176 and we’ll do our best to fit your schedule.
Do you cover all Melbourne suburbs?
Yes. We cover all of Greater Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. We also inspect commercial properties, so if your transaction involves an office, warehouse, strata, or retail site, ask about our commercial building inspection.