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Pests

Top 5 reasons to get a pre-purchase building and pest inspection

Building inspector running through a report on their iPad with the customer.
RBI team

September 10, 2025

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether it’s your first property, investment property or your dream property, it’s essential that you have peace of mind that your next investment has no nasty surprises. 

What is a pre-purchase building and pest inspection?

A pre-purchase building and pest inspection is a thorough visual assessment of the property, carried out by an experienced inspector. It typically involves two key parts:

  • Building inspection: highlights areas of concern such as safety hazards and any structural damage that is visible.
  • Pest inspection: checks for visible signs of pests – especially termites, which are notorious in many parts of Australia. 

There are several reasons a building and pest inspection is vital when buying a new home. 

Australia’s climate can take its toll

From the humidity in Queensland to the dry heat in WA, or the cool and damp conditions in parts of Victoria, Australia’s climate can cause a range of issues for properties. Moisture, termites, shifting soil as well as general wear and tear, all impact the condition of a property.

An inspection will highlight any visual problems caused by environmental stressors before you purchase the property, so you know what future issues may look like. 

Termites are common and costly

Termites can be found in most of Australia, especially parts where there is humid weather or moisture constantly in the air. These pests can silently eat away at timber in and around the property, possibly causing thousands of dollars in damage without any visible evidence to the untrained eye.

A pest inspection by an experienced inspector will visually assess the property for possible pests, signs of infestation and check the current pest barrier on the property.

Uncover hidden structural items

An experienced building inspector could uncover issues not visible during an open home such as foundation cracks, roof damage, poor drainage or poor-quality renovations, catching these problems early could prevent costly surprises down the track.

Strengthen negotiation power

If significant issues are uncovered by your building inspector, as a buyer, you could use this report to negotiate the purchase price of the property, request repairs to be completed by the seller prior to settlement or even walk away from a deal that you deem too high risk.

Save money long-term

Early detection of building or pest problems by a pre-purchase building and pest inspection allows for preventative action, which could save you thousands in repairs and protect your property's value.

Small investment for long-term peace of mind

Whether you're purchasing your first home, investing, or selling, a pre purchase building and pest inspection gives confidence and reassurance about the property’s true condition. The cost of a pre-purchase building and pest inspection is minor compared to the peace of mind that you will have, knowing that your property is a sound investment.

In Australia where environmental conditions and pest activity vary across regions, getting an inspection is essential.