5 Things Every Home Buyer Should Look Out For When Inspecting Houses
With the Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision (as of May 2025) to cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, the resulting drop in home loan interest rates and increased buying power has made it a little easier for prospective homebuyers to purchase a home.
If you’re a first home buyer, it may be more cost-effective to buy an established home. However, older homes may come with some risks. That’s where home inspections come in. While we highly recommend that you pay for a professional building inspection before buying (unless you are a builder yourself and know what to look out for), there are some things you can check yourself to get an idea of whether you should make an offer on a home.
On the other hand, if you’re a seller, it's often a good idea to pay for a professional building inspection to identify any issues with your home that could devalue it, and remedy them (where possible) before the sale.
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, you need to be able to spot any potential problems with a home and act accordingly.
Here are our tips on what to look out for when inspecting houses.
1. Start outside
Have a quick walk around the house and look at:
· The roof – missing, cracked or curled shingles could mean water damage.
· Gutters – these should be clear and direct away from the home. Otherwise, it could compromise the foundation.
· The house’s overall structure – signs of structural issues include cracks or uneven surfaces.
· Paint or cladding – If the exterior has paint or cladding, check for peeling paint or damage to the cladding, as this can indicate underlying problems.
2. Check for water damage and leaks
Once inside the house, take a quick look around for signs of water damage, as mould and rot not only damage your health, but neglecting them will result in expensive fixes down the track. Look out for:
· Bubbling paint or mould on walls and ceilings.
· Moisture buildup in window panes can be a sign of poor insulation or leaks.
· Check under sinks in bathrooms and laundry for mould, mildew or musty odours around pipes or in cabinets.
3. Inspect plumbing and electrical systems
There are some things you can check for yourself when it comes to plumbing and electrical, such as:
· Turn on taps and examine water pressure. Weak pressure may indicate blocked pipes.
· Check for rust or leaks around the hot water system or water heater.
· Place your hand on outlets and light switches. If they feel slightly warm to the touch, there could be issues with the wiring.
4. Examine insulation, heating and cooling
· Turn on the heating and cooling systems to ensure they are functioning correctly.
· Check for drafts around windows and doors, as these can indicate poor insulation, which leads to higher heating and cooling costs.
· If possible, check if there is adequate insulation in the attic or crawl space under the roof. If you are a homeowner looking to sell your home, you may want to consider addressing any inadequate insulation issues, as these will likely be noted in a buyer’s inspection report.
5. Check for signs of pest or structural damage
· Tiny holes on wooden parts or sagging floors may indicate termites.
· Little black droppings and chewed wires may indicate a rodent infestation.
· Musty smells caused by excessive dampness may attract pests. Lightly tap on walls or wooden surfaces, and if they sound hollow or feel soft, this may indicate moisture damage and a weakened structure.
· Step outside the house and look at the roof – if there is some sagging, this could indicate structural weakness.
The key takeaway
A professional inspection is essential before you decide to sign a contract on a house. However, there are some preliminary checks you can perform when house hunting to determine if a home is worth a second look.
If you are a seller, it’s best to have a professional inspection done on your home to identify any issues that could devalue it. You can then take the necessary steps to remedy them before listing it for sale.
Thinking of selling your home? RPN Global Sales has over twenty years of experience in the Western Sydney market. Contact us to learn how we can help you achieve the results you want.
