Pre-settlement inspection checklist for Queensland buyers

Short answer: in Queensland, buyers are usually entitled to one inspection before settlement to check the property is in the same condition as when they signed (fair wear and tear excepted) and that included items are still there. Do it a day or two before settlement and tell your solicitor straight away if anything is wrong. Once settlement happens, your leverage mostly disappears.

Ask a conveyancing solicitor Call 0488 340 853

Written by Michael Klein, Legal Practice Director, admitted 2003 · General information about Queensland law · Last reviewed 2026

Need advice on your own matter? Book a no-obligation consultation with Coastside Law in Golden Beach.

Request a consultation Call 0488 340 853

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When to book it

Ask the agent for a time 1 to 3 days before settlement. That leaves time to raise a problem but is close enough that nothing else should change. Take your contract (or a list of included chattels), your building and pest report, and your phone for photos.

The checklist

Included items are still there: fixtures, appliances, blinds, light fittings, pool equipment, garden shed, remotes and keys
Nothing new is damaged: walls, floors, benchtops, doors and windows (compare against your listing photos)
Every tap, shower, toilet and the hot water system works, with no leaks
Lights, power points, smoke alarms, ceiling fans and air conditioning work
Oven, cooktop, dishwasher and rangehood work
Garage door and gate motors work, and there are remotes for each
Pool fence and gate are intact and self-closing
Anything the seller agreed to repair has been done properly
The seller's rubbish, furniture and vehicles have been removed (for vacant possession)
Tenanted property: the tenant is there, and the lease and bond details match what you were told
Units: common property access, fobs, mailbox key and car space

If something's wrong

Take photos and call your solicitor that day. Depending on the problem, we can ask the seller to fix it before settlement, negotiate a reduction or a retention from the price, or in serious cases consider whether settlement can be delayed. Don't refuse to settle on your own: under the standard Queensland contract, a buyer who fails to settle can be in default.

What a pre-settlement inspection is not

It's not a second building and pest inspection, and it's not a chance to raise defects that existed when you signed. Those should have been dealt with during your building and pest period.

Pre-settlement inspections: common questions

Am I entitled to a pre-settlement inspection in Queensland?

Under the standard REIQ contract, buyers are generally entitled to one inspection before settlement, on reasonable notice. Check your contract's terms.

What if an included item is missing?

Tell your solicitor before settlement. We can ask for it to be returned or negotiate an adjustment to the price.

Can I delay settlement because of damage?

Only in limited circumstances. Get advice first, because refusing to settle without the right grounds can put you in default.

Does Coastside Law help with problems found at inspection?

Yes. It's part of our fixed-price purchase conveyancing. Call 0488 340 853.

This guide is general information about Queensland law, current at the time of writing. It is not legal advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Call Coastside Law on 0488 340 853 for advice on your own matter.

Next steps

Where to go from here if this is your situation.

1Fixed-fee conveyancingBuying or selling on the Sunshine Coast — $990 to sell, $1,499 to buy, both incl. GST.See how we help
2Check the fixed feeExactly what our conveyancing costs, what is included, and what the third-party disbursements are.View our fees
3Talk it throughA short, no-obligation conversation with a lawyer at our Golden Beach office.Request a consultation Call 0488 340 853

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