By Paul Wenham · Research-based general information, not professional advice
Your buyer checklist: what do you still need to know?
Use this checklist to organise questions for your purchase. Adapt it with your advisers; it is not a complete legal or technical assessment.
Start with your situation
Write down the property type, your stage of purchase, your next deadline and three things the home needs to support.
If you are unsure whether a document has legal consequences, ask your adviser before signing or relying on this checklist.
The transaction
- Have I asked for advice on the actual contract before my next commitment?
- Have I explained my intended use and any future alterations?
- Do I understand the significant issues raised and the options explained to me?
- Have I confirmed which costs and deadlines apply to my circumstances?
The documents
- Has my adviser identified which documents apply to this transaction?
- Do I know what has been received, reviewed or requested?
- Have I asked about inconsistencies rather than assuming the documents all describe the same work?
- For a new build or off-the-plan purchase, have I identified which records arrive later?
New-build documents · Off-the-plan documents
The condition
- Do I understand the inspection scope and exclusions?
- What could not be accessed or assessed?
- Has a concern about moisture, structure or another issue been referred to an appropriate professional?
- If the property is strata, have I discussed both the dwelling and shared-property enquiries?
The fit with my life
- What questions remain about noise, light, comfort, access and maintenance?
- Which features have I only assumed will work for me?
- What permissions or specialist advice might my intended changes require?
Keep an open-questions register
| Question | Evidence so far | Next action | Who will act? | When is advice needed? | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Add your question | Record the document or observation | Agree the follow-up | Name the person | Confirm with your adviser | Open / investigating / answered / not applicable |
An answered question is not necessarily a resolved risk. Record what the answer means for your decision, including uncertainty you may be accepting.
Before you proceed, review the remaining open items with the relevant advisers. Completing a checklist does not certify a property or guarantee a successful purchase.