Property Speaking, Winter 2024, No 46
The building report condition is yet another condition commonly found in the agreement for a buyer’s benefit.
A building report is carried out by a qualified building inspector; it is obtained at your cost. It can outline structural and weathertightness aspects (amongst other things) relating to the property. These could be, for example, moisture levels throughout the property, whether there are any loose wires, power sockets or other electrical issues, plumbing problems, whether the roof and exterior walls of the house are in good shape and so forth. The report must be in writing.
The seller must allow the building inspector reasonable access to the property. It is usual for you to arrange the inspection through the real estate agent.
If you are happy with the building report, the condition can be satisfied by approving the report by the due date. You can ask the seller to do any remedial work (at the seller’s cost) for any problems raised in the report, or even use those problems as a means to negotiate a lower purchase price for the property. The seller does not have to agree.
If you cancel the agreement because you are dissatisfied with the building report, you may have to provide the seller with the report if the seller asks for it.
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