Buy Wise Inspections - Melbourne

Latest Update: January 19, 2026

Buying a home across Melbourne is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Whether you are purchasing your first apartment, upgrading to a family home, or investing in property, understanding the inspection process is essential.

One of the most common questions buyers ask is who organises building and pest inspections, and just as importantly, when to get a building and pest inspection during the buying process. Confusion around timing, responsibility, and legal considerations can lead to costly mistakes if not handled correctly.

As building and pest inspectors who assess hundreds of Melbourne properties each year, we regularly see buyers confused about who should organise inspections, when they should occur, and how timing affects legal and financial risk. Misunderstanding this process can lead to costly mistakes that are difficult, or impossible to reverse after settlement.

This guide is written by Philip Guildea, a registered builder and licensed pest technician with over a decade of inspection experience in Melbourne. This explains who is responsible for organising inspections, whether a building inspection should be done before or after an offer, and how Melbourne buyers can protect themselves with the right approach.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or building advice. Inspection requirements and property risks vary. Buyers should engage qualified professionals and seek independent advice before entering any property transaction.

Who Organises Building and Pest Inspections?

In most residential property transactions across Melbourne, the buyer is responsible for organising the building and pest inspection.

Although real estate agents may recommend inspectors or offer to assist with booking, the inspection is commissioned by the buyer, paid for by the buyer, and should be conducted in the buyer’s best interests.

If you want a clear visual step-by-step and timeframe for how inspections typically fit into a Melbourne property purchase, check the Melbourne building and pest inspection timeline.

Consumer Affairs Victoria advises buyers to undertake independent due diligence before purchasing a property, which commonly includes engaging their own qualified inspector rather than relying on reports commissioned by another party.

Why Buyers Should Organise the Inspection

When buyers take control of the inspection process, they ensure:

• The inspector is fully independent
• The report is unbiased and detailed
• There is no conflict of interest with the selling agent
• Findings can be used during negotiations

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) also emphasises the importance of engaging appropriately qualified professionals when assessing property condition. Buyers can verify practitioner licensing and industry standards directly through the VBA.

Building Inspection Before or After Offer: What’s Best?

A common dilemma for buyers is deciding whether a building inspection should be completed before or after making an offer. The correct approach often depends on the type of sale and market conditions.

Inspection Before Making an Offer

In competitive Melbourne suburbs, some buyers choose to arrange inspections before submitting an offer.

Pros:

• Allows confident bidding
• Reduces risk of contract withdrawal
• Faster decision-making

Cons:

• Cost is incurred even if the offer is unsuccessful
• Limited access time may restrict inspection scope

For most buyers, this remains the safest and most commonly used approach, provided inspections are organised promptly after acceptance.

Inspection After Offer (Subject to Conditions)

For private sales, many buyers make an offer subject to a satisfactory building and pest inspection.

Pros:

• Financial protection if major defects are found
• Ability to renegotiate price or conditions
• Inspection results can justify contract termination

Cons:

• Potential pressure from short cooling-off periods
• Risk of losing the property if delays occur

This approach aligns with guidance from Consumer Affairs Victoria, which encourages buyers to include protective conditions in contracts wherever possible.

If you’re unsure about whether inspections are required for specific types of properties, for example, a new home, see this dedicated explanation here.

When to Get a Building and Pest Inspection

Understanding when to get a building and pest inspection is critical to avoiding missed defects or legal exposure.

Ideal Timing

A building and pest inspection should be carried out:

• Before auction day, if you intend to bid
• Immediately after offer acceptance, if subject to conditions
• During the cooling-off period, where applicable

Delaying the inspection may reduce your ability to negotiate or withdraw without penalty.

You can also learn more about how long inspection reports remain valid and what that means for your purchase from this guide: How Long Are Building and Pest Inspection Reports Valid For?

Why Building and Pest Inspections Matter in Melbourne

Melbourne’s housing stock varies significantly, from Victorian-era terraces to modern townhouses and new builds. Each presents different risks.

Common Melbourne-specific issues include:

• Subfloor moisture and rising damp
• Termite activity in established suburbs
• Poor drainage and soil movement
• Defective renovations and extensions
• Incomplete or non-compliant new builds

A combined building and pest inspection identifies these issues before settlement, helping buyers make informed decisions. If you want a walkthrough of what a pre-purchase building and pest inspection in Melbourne involves, this link explains the process and benefits, click here.

What Local Homeowners Say

Noreen Ross-Gilder

I cannot thank Buywise Building Inspections enough for their outstanding service. They identified two major defects in a property I was about to purchase,  issues that would have cost me thousands of dollars and caused major stress if they hadn’t been picked up.

The report was comprehensive, clear, and very professional. Phil was incredibly patient and took the time to answer all of my questions thoroughly. I would absolutely use Buywise again and highly recommend them.

Jose Herrera

Buy Wise did a fantastic job inspecting the property we are going to purchase. A detailed report was prepared and all the important areas were covered. It gave us peace of mind knowing there are no major issues with the property.

While inspections are our profession, the principles outlined in this guide apply regardless of which suitably licensed inspector a buyer chooses to engage.

What Happens After the Inspection?

Once the inspection report is issued, buyers can:

• Proceed with confidence
• Renegotiate the purchase price
• Request repairs prior to settlement
• Withdraw from the contract if major defects are identified

This is where inspections deliver real financial value, often saving buyers tens of thousands of dollars.