Do You Need a Building and Pest Inspection for an Apartment or Unit?
Make an informed decision
If you're seeking a thorough inspection for your unit or apartment in Brisbane, Dedant Building and Pest Inspections has been providing reliable inspections since 2009. With their comprehensive inspection services, you can have peace of mind knowing that you'll have a full understanding of your property's condition.
The property market in Brisbane
In 2024, the Brisbane property market continues to exceed expectations with increased growth and resilience. Despite global economic shifts, Brisbane's property market maintains stability, offering investors and homebuyers promising opportunities. Factors such as steady population growth, infrastructure development, and a diverse economy contribute to the market's attractiveness.
Additionally, Brisbane's appeal lies in its lifestyle advantages, including proximity to natural landscapes and a thriving cultural scene. However, market dynamics are influenced by various factors, such as interest rates, government policies, and external economic conditions. Hence, staying informed and adapting to market fluctuations remain crucial for navigating the Brisbane property landscape effectively.
The difference between buying an apartment or unit vs. a house
It's essential to keep in mind that purchasing an apartment or unit differs from buying a home. When you own a home, you're solely responsible for repairs. If there's a leaky pipe or a broken window, you're accountable for fixing it. With an apartment, however, the body corporate is responsible for repairs in communal areas, while you're only responsible for repairs in your unit.
The Average Cost of Buying an Apartment in Brisbane
The cost of buying a unit or apartment in Brisbane varies depending on the suburb, with an average cost of $610,000 (RealEstate.com, 2024). Compared to other cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, purchasing a unit in Brisbane can be a cheaper option. For instance, a unit in Mt Gravatt would cost $600,000 (RealEstate.com, 2024), while the cost of a unit in New Farm is $797,000 (RealEstate.com, 2024).
Navigating Body Corporate
The body corporate, also known as the owners corporation, represents the common interests of all the owners. Its primary purpose is to look after communal areas such as stairwells, pools, gardens, driveways, laundries, lobbies, common walls, and exteriors. The body corporate decides how much owners should pay in fees, makes and enforces its rules, obtains insurance from owners, and keeps records relating to the common property.
Your involvement in Body Corporate
As an apartment owner, you're automatically a member of the body corporate. This gives you a say in the rules and regulations of the property. Each year an annual general meeting is held, normally within three months of the financial year's end. During this meeting, you can vote and have a say in many decisions regarding the property. Common discussions center around the property's condition, maintenance requests, new purchases and sales in the building, question time and the annual budget.
What’s covered in a Building and Pest Inspection for an apartment?
When buying property, one of the most critical steps is to get a building and pest inspection. This step ensures you're aware of any issues that may affect the property's value or safety. When you book a pre-purchase inspection for your apartment or unit in Brisbane, the inspectors can only report on the areas in your contract of sale. Such as the internal areas, balcony or patio and parking space.
The inspection doesn't cover common areas such as lobbies, stairwells, elevators, driveways, and other places available to all occupiers. These areas belong to the body corporate and are known as strata title. Whereas, your apartment is owned solely by you. You can inquire with the body corporate about obtaining a copy of the strata inspection report. This strata report will provide information on any issues throughout the common areas.
Why a Timber Pest Inspection is essential – even for an apartment!
When purchasing a unit or apartment, it's recommended that you get both a building and pest inspection - not just a building inspection. The main reason is that termites can invade any building at any time and they do not disciminate between apartments and houses. Whilst is less likely for termites to invade an apartment building, it is still possible.
Additionally, it is during the timber pest inspection that the thermal imaging camera and moisture meter is used. These tools help detect moisture and water damage which can be invaluable within an apartment where air conditioning systems and plumbing are often interconnected.
At the end of the day, the buyer is responsible for repairing any damage (including termite damage) within their unit. Termite and water damage is not something you want to find in your new property. The damage caused by both is often serious and costly to repair.
Book your Building and Pest Inspection today!
Each of our inspectors have over 30 years of experience within the building industry and are highly skilled at finding building defects and evidence of termite activity/damage.
We have been servicing Brisbane, Redland Bay, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and Logan since 2009.
If you have any questions or would like to book, contact us on 07 3807 0122 or via our website.
