# HouseLink Buyer Due Diligence Checklist

Use this before paying a deposit or signing an agreement of sale.

## Seller and Authority

- Confirm the seller's full legal name.
- Confirm the seller owns the property or has written authority to sell.
- Check whether the seller is acting for a company, estate, spouse, family, developer, or absent owner.
- Ask who will sign the agreement and transfer documents.

## Property Documents

- Request title deed, cession papers, offer letter, allocation record, or other ownership proof.
- Confirm property description, stand number, size, boundaries, and suburb.
- Ask whether there are caveats, bonds, disputes, estate issues, or pending claims.
- Ask for approved plans where buildings or extensions are important.

## Debts and Costs

- Request current council rates and water position.
- Confirm ZESA meter status and any arrears.
- Ask about levies, residents association fees, security fees, and shared-service contributions.
- Clarify who pays transfer costs, legal fees, agent fees, arrears, and clearance costs.

## Physical Inspection

- Inspect roof, cracks, damp, plumbing, wiring, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, boundary walls, and drainage.
- Confirm water source, tank capacity, borehole status, sewer or septic setup, solar, and security.
- Check access roads and visit in different weather conditions if possible.
- Confirm who occupies the property and when vacant possession will happen.

## Agreement Terms

- Put price, deposit, balance, timelines, conditions, and penalties in writing.
- State what fixtures, fittings, tanks, solar equipment, appliances, and keys are included.
- Make payment handling clear before money moves.
- Use a qualified conveyancer or legal practitioner for major transactions.