Get your list sorted first
Before you start scrolling through realestate.com.au at midnight, get clear on what you actually need — not want, need.
- •How many bedrooms and bathrooms?
- •House or apartment?
- •Do you need parking?
- •Maximum commute to work?
- •Schools, transport, amenities — what matters?
- •Is outdoor space non-negotiable?
Write it down and take it to every inspection.
Research your target suburbs properly
Comparable sales — Don't rely on listing prices. Look at what properties have actually sold for over the last 3–6 months. Listings are aspirational; sales data is reality. Use the sold section on realestate.com.au or domain.com.au.
Local amenities — Walk the suburb at different times. What's it like at 7pm on a weeknight? Saturday morning?
Suburb data — Cotality (cotality.com/au) has median prices, days on market, rental yields, and more. We can also pull detailed suburb reports for you directly.
What to look for at open homes
Train yourself to look beyond the aesthetics:
- •Walls — Cracks, bubbling paint, damp patches, mould
- •Floors — Squeaky boards, soft spots near bathrooms
- •Roof and gutters — Broken tiles, sagging sections, rust
- •Doors and windows — Sticking or not closing properly can indicate movement
- •Bathrooms — Check under sinks for water damage
- •Smell — Musty odours can signal moisture problems not visible to the eye
The inspections you can't skip
Building and pest inspection — Get one before exchanging contracts. $400–$800 and worth every dollar.
Strata report — Essential for apartments. Covers the building's finances, upcoming works, levies, and by-laws.
Pre-settlement inspection — A final walk-through before settlement to confirm the property is in the agreed condition.
Broker tip
Look at 3–6 months of comparable sales before deciding what to offer. What properties sell for matters more than what they're listed at. We can send you suburb property reports — just ask.
