Buying a Home in Perth? Here’s Your Essential Checklist

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make and the process comes with its own quirks. From inspections to making an offer, being prepared can save you money, stress and time.

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Here’s a little checklist for each stage of your journey.

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Key Pointers for First Initial Inspections

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When you’re searching for the right property, it’s easy to get distracted by fresh paint or stylish décor. Below is a quick checklist of things to keep in mind:

• Structural integrity – Look for cracks in walls, sagging ceilings, uneven floors or water damage (often visible near skirtings in kitchens, laundries, bathrooms or entryways exposed to weather).
• Plumbing & hot water – Run taps, flush toilets, check water pressure, and note how quickly the hot water system responds.
• Electrical & power – Lights can be checked at the first inspection, but testing power points is usually done later at the final inspection before settlement (tip: bring a phone charger to plug in, to quickly check if the outlet is working).
• Cabinetry & fixtures – Open cupboards, drawers and doors to ensure they’re not broken or faulty.
• Pests & moisture – Be alert for termite activity, damp smells or bubbling paint.
• Noise & surroundings – Visit the property at different times of day to gauge traffic, neighbours and street activity.
• Storage & layout – Consider whether there’s enough storage (pots, pans, wardrobe space, linen cupboards) and whether the layout fits your lifestyle.
• Future costs – Factor in upcoming expenses: roof condition, whether NBN is installed, renovation needs or body corporate fees (if any.

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Smart Questions to Ask the Agent

Agents may not always give the full picture, but asking the right questions can uncover important insights:

• Why is the owner selling? (Understanding motivation helps gauge settlement timings or flexibility of contract, which can sometimes matter more than having the highest price alone).
• How long has the property been on the market? (If it’s been sitting, ask why - overpriced or potential issues?)
• Have there been any other offers made, and how many interested buyers? (you can even ask what offers have been made but, some agents may not provide this info to you).
• Are there known issues (structural, termite, asbestos, flooding)? Some agents may have a pre-prepared report available to purchase.
• How much are they looking to sell for, and how does that compare to recent nearby sales?
• Were renovations or extensions council-approved? (Critical for legal compliance.)
• What are the average council rates, strata fees, or utilities?

Even if the answers aren’t perfect, these questions give you a base to start investigating further.

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How to Make an Offer in WA

Making an offer in WA works a little differently to other states:

1. Ensure you have your finance pre-approval in place.
2. Ask the agent about their process - some take verbal offers, others require a one-pager or the formal O&A form.
3. Submit your offer with key terms included (e.g., finance clause, building/pest, settlement date, inclusions).
4. Negotiate - sellers may accept, reject, or counter-offer.
5. Acceptance makes the contract legally binding.
6. Remember: WA has no standard cooling-off period - always include finance and inspection clauses.
7. Deposit payment is typically $10k–20k or 5–10%, paid into the agent’s trust account. (Negotiate lower where possible - the less upfront, the better for buyers.)
8. Appoint a settlement agent or conveyancer to manage the transfer and liaise with your bank.
9. Touch base with your Broker!

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Clauses to Include in Your Contract

It’s important to speak with a conveyancer or property lawyer about your situation. In WA, settlement agents handle transfers but can’t always advise on contract detail. Clauses you may want to include:

• Finance clause (14–21 days, specify lender advised by your broker).
• Building & pest inspection clause.
• Termite inspection clause.
• Good working order clause for appliances (oven, dishwasher, whitegoods).
• Settlement date (usually 21–28 days after finance approval, or 35–42 days if auction; longer terms such as 3–5 months can be requested).
• Special conditions (e.g., subject to sale of your existing property, repairs required).
• Inclusions & exclusions (fixtures, fittings, appliances).
• Professional cleaning – carpets and blinds steamed professionally with a receipt provided before settlement - because no one likes to buy a dirty home!

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Buying in Perth can feel daunting, but the right preparation makes the process much smoother. As always, our team will guide you through the process so you can focus on finding the home you love.