A property inspection is a check of a property’s physical condition — its structure, finishes, fittings and systems — carried out to identify problems before buying, renting, or taking handover. It informs the buyer or tenant about what they are actually getting.
Where you’ll see it
You’ll see inspections at several points: snagging a new build at handover, checking a resale before purchase, and recording condition at move-in or move-out of a tenancy. A professional inspector may be engaged for a thorough assessment.
Why it matters
An inspection surfaces issues while they can still be addressed — negotiated with a seller, fixed by a developer, or noted against a deposit. Skipping it can leave a buyer or tenant responsible for faults they did not cause and did not know about.
What it is not
A property inspection is not a legal title check or valuation — it concerns physical condition, not ownership or price. It is also not the same as a formal snagging report, though snagging is one type of inspection.
Example
Before buying a resale villa, a buyer commissions an inspection that flags an ageing AC system; the buyer negotiates a price adjustment to reflect the repair.
Connected documents and parties
Inspection report, move-in/out condition record; buyer/tenant, inspector, seller/landlord.
Going deeper: related reading: snagging for new-build inspection.
Related Terms
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