AU Australia property term
Final Inspection
Western Australia
Plain-English definition
The buyer's last inspection before settlement to check the property is in the required condition.
Why this matters to a foreign buyer
Check agreed repairs, included fixtures, damage and whether the property is vacant if the contract requires it.
A final inspection, also called a pre-settlement inspection, gives the buyer a last opportunity to check that the property is in the condition required by the contract before settlement completes.
What to inspect
Compare the property with the contract and earlier inspection records. Check that included fixtures remain, agreed repairs are complete, appliances and services can be tested where appropriate, and no new damage has appeared.
- Included fixtures, keys, remotes and access devices
- Agreed repairs and inspection-condition items
- Vacant possession if required by the contract
- New damage, rubbish or removed items
When it occurs
The timing and buyer rights depend on the contract and applicable conditions. Arrange access early enough for the settlement agent or lawyer to respond before settlement if a material problem is found.
If something is wrong
Document the issue with photographs and notify the settlement representative promptly. Do not assume every defect allows settlement to be delayed or money to be withheld; the available remedy depends on the contract and seriousness of the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Is a final inspection a building inspection?
No. It is primarily a check against the contract and the property’s earlier condition, not a substitute for a professional building inspection.
Can settlement be delayed after a failed final inspection?
Possibly, but not automatically. The buyer’s rights depend on the contract, the issue and the required notice process.
For step-by-step Perth and WA guides, visit Property Learning Hub.