Found a Property You Like? Don’t Rush In Just Yet.
It might look perfect. Right location. Great features. Your finance is ready.
But before you dive in, take a step back.
There’s a lot you can’t see on the surface. The smart move? Run a few critical checks — the kind that help you avoid major problems, costly repairs or future regrets.
In Part 1 of this series, we’ll walk you through the big red flags to watch out for before you make your offer.
Environmental and Location Red Flags
It’s not just about the house. Where the property sits — and what surrounds it — can seriously impact your lifestyle, resale prospects, or future plans.
Bushfire-Prone Land
Even leafy suburban homes can fall into a bushfire-prone zone if they back onto parkland or reserves. If you want to extend or rebuild, you’ll be required to take specific precautions against fire — and that adds cost. It’s important to know up front what restrictions or upgrades you could face down the track.
Floodplain Risk
Close to a river, creek or wetland? Even if the area looks fine now, the property may fall within a designated floodplain. That can impact insurance, future resale, and in some cases, whether you can safely access the property during major storms.
Heritage Listings and Precincts
Heritage features can be charming — but they come with limits. If the home is listed or in a heritage precinct, you may face restrictions on changes, especially to the façade or exterior design. Best to check before planning that big front-of-house upgrade.
Surrounding Zoning and Development
Even if the property looks peaceful today, check if the surrounding area is zoned for high-rise or high-density development. That could affect your enjoyment, privacy or the long-term feel of the neighbourhood.
And don’t stop there — find out if any developments have been approved next door. You might love the property now, but your view could soon be a building site.
Other Environmental or Location Hazards
Also look out for:
• Main roads or major routes
• Nearby substations or high-voltage lines
• Aircraft noise zones
• Adjacent commercial or industrial zones
• Planned road upgrades that might affect access or noise
These factors can affect liveability, resale value and renovation potential.
The Property Itself: What You Might Miss
The property might present beautifully — but you need to dig deeper.
Unapproved Structures
Ask the agent whether there are any unapproved additions or structural works. That could include patios, sheds, carports or extensions that were built without council approval. Even seemingly minor structures can affect insurance or compliance — and if you’re leasing the property and a tenant is injured due to an unapproved structure, you could face liability issues.
If there’s any doubt, follow up with council to confirm approvals were in place.
Known Issues or Defects
Ask if the seller has disclosed any known major or structural defects — and whether everything is in working order. That includes lights, plumbing, gas, electrical systems, solar panels and any appliances or inclusions. You don’t want to discover non-functional systems after settlement.
Nearby Construction or Rezoning
Ask if there’s any development planned next door — a new two-storey dwelling, multi-unit build or commercial property could all change the character of your purchase. And check for any rezoning proposed in the immediate vicinity that could affect the area’s future use or amenity.
Even if the agent doesn’t know the full details, these questions highlight what you may want to investigate further with the council.
Will Renters Want It? (For Investors)
If you’re buying as an investor, what matters most is whether it will appeal to tenants — and produce the rental income you need.
Start with a realistic rental appraisal. You can do this by reviewing similar properties currently for rent or recently leased, or by asking a local property manager for a rental appraisal.
Then think like a tenant.
- Does it have the features renters expect in this area — aircon, outdoor space, storage, secure parking?
- Does the layout suit your ideal renter — whether singles, families, couples, students or downsizers?
- Is the condition good enough to attract the right tenant, or would it benefit from a fresh coat of paint or new carpet?
Small upgrades like these can make a big difference in a competitive rental market — and help avoid long vacancies or lower rent.
Also check whether the property is compliant with tenancy safety standards in your state. These usually cover things like working smoke alarms, safety switches (RCDs), window locks, privacy measures and basic habitability standards. Compliance is usually straightforward — but it’s best to confirm early, so you’re not caught out after settlement.
Coming in Part 2:
- What’s really in the contract and how to read it properly
- Title checks, strata traps and encumbrances
- Working out the right price to pay — and what other buyers might offer
- The offer process: when to act fast, and when to walk away
👉 Want help checking a property before you offer?
Get in touch with our expert team here and start your property journey with clarity.
Or connect with us on a no-obligation call to discover how to make your property investment or home purchase safer and more rewarding. Request Your No-Obligation Consultation Now!
Adapted from a LinkedIn article by Michaela Wells: Read it here.
________________________________________________________________________
Established in 2004, Property Wizards works with local, interstate and overseas home and investment buyers seeking to buy property in the greater Perth metropolitan area. Property Wizards takes away the stress of buying property and saves you time and money. Regardless of market conditions, our research, knowledge, and access to silent sales means we find and negotiate properties with potential to outperform the market in capital growth and rental returns. Importantly, we provide home buyers and property investors with the same level of representation that property sellers have benefited from for years.
