How much does a Building & Pest Report cost?

The average Building & Pest Report costs about $600. Sometimes the real estate agent will have a report available for you to access.

Do I need a Building & Pest Report?

Q: Do I need a Building & Pest Report?

Yes. A Building & Pest Report should always be obtained when purchasing a freestanding home. The inspector’s trained eye can often identify issues an average buyer would miss, which makes their opinion well worth paying for.

Q: What does a Building & Pest Report check?

A Building & Pest Report checks for issues such as moisture where it shouldn’t be, unusual wear and tear, structural soundness and signs of infestation. The inspector will only check areas that are accessible.

Q: Do I need a Building & Pest Report when buying a strata property?

It is less common to obtain a Building & Pest Report when buying a strata property, because many of the issues it covers can often be identified in a Strata Report. Your legal representative may still recommend one if the Strata Report raises questions.

Q: Can you help me understand a Building & Pest Report or find an inspector?

Yes. If you would like advice about the contents of a Building & Pest Report, or a referral to an inspector, please get in touch with our team.

FAQ: When buying, do I need a Building & Pest Report?

Short answer: Yes. If you are buying a freestanding home in Sydney, a Building & Pest Report is well worth having. It can cost around $600 on average and can uncover problems that are easy to overlook. For strata properties it is less common, though your legal representative may suggest one if your Strata Report raises questions.

What does a Building & Pest Report look for?
A Building & Pest Report is an inspection that checks for issues such as moisture where it shouldn’t be, unusual wear and tear, structural soundness and signs of infestation. The inspector will only assess areas that are accessible, but a practised eye can often spot things the average buyer would miss.

Do I need a Building & Pest Report when buying a freestanding home?
Absolutely. We always encourage our clients to have a Building & Pest Report prepared whenever they’re considering purchasing a freestanding home. The average report costs around $600, and in some cases the real estate agent will have one available for you to access.

Do I need a Building & Pest Report buying a strata property?
It is less common to complete a Building & Pest Report for a strata property, because many of the issues it covers can often be identified in a Strata Report (see our article Do I need a Strata Report?). If you are considering a unit in a smaller complex or a townhouse then a Building & Pest Report may be more necessary. If you’re unsure, feel free to give us a call and ask whether a Building & Pest Report is necessary for the home you’re considering.

Can you help me understand a Building & Pest Report or find an inspector?
Of course. We commonly review Building & Pest Reports as part of due diligence for clients before buying and have a number of inspectors we’ve previously worked with that we can comfortably recommend.
If you are preparing to buy and would like advice about a Building &Pest Report, or a referral to an inspector, we are happy to help.

This article is general information only and isn't legal advice. Everyone's circumstances are different so please seek professional legal advice tailored to your needs.

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