Looking at houses for sale in Ipswich? Use this checklist.

You’ve made a good call if you’re looking at houses for sale in Ipswich. Property Analyst Terry Ryder told The Sydney Morning Herald that Brisbane is the hottest market in Australia right now. The good news is that Ipswich is part of that market. He agreed that the area has lots to offer and has seen an increase in sales.

It’s great to see loads of opportunity in such a growth area, but it’s only a positive if you take the proper steps. Wherever you buy, the decision to purchase a home can be overwhelming. However, it’s essential to ensure that you’re not buying on a whim and know what to look for when you’re at the stage of viewing properties.

Ipswich has a good mix of homes from 70s style brick or modern rendered homes in the newer suburbs to 50s postwar and even older Queenslanders. There are always problems hiding, no matter how old the house is. Many properties in Ipswich are prone to termite damage. There are also properties in Ipswich that have experienced flooding, so check the Ipswich flood maps. Weather can have an impact on Ipswich. If you’re looking to buy a home in Springfield Lakes, do your due diligence and check for damage left by the record-breaking hail storm.

There are many little things that you can check yourself before deciding on the next step in your Ipswich home buying journey. Here are some of the main ones.

Visually inspect inside of the house for red flags

At the very beginning of your home inspection, check inside the home for red flags such as:

  • Mould and mildew
  • Visible cracks in the walls
  • Missing or broken window screens
  • Damaged paint or wallpaper
  • Windows and doors that don’t close properly
  • Uneven floors
  • Cracked tiles
  • Exposed wiring
  • Leaking taps and shower recess

If something inside the house is not in good condition, it’s best to bring this to the seller’s attention.

Visually inspect the outside of the house for red flags

When you go outside to look at the exterior of the home, some red flag items to look for include:

  • Exposed wiring
  • Broken or missing window trims
  • Dark or weathered paint
  • Missing or rotted weatherboard
  • Rotted decking and stairs
  • Cracks in brick or render
  • Deteriorated house stumps
  • Damp areas where water has pooled
  • Damaged gutters
  • Damaged retaining walls

Research the neighbourhood

Ipswich has several great suburbs to live in, including new land developments, but they’re not all equal. It’s best to do your homework and research the neighbourhood you want to live. Consider the crime rate, the school district, access to parkland, shopping facilities,  and the commute time. It’s important that the neighbourhood you’re interested in is a good fit for your family or has the best potential as a rental property.

It’s also a good idea to visit the property at different times of the day to get an idea of neighbourhood noise. You might find that the area is quiet during your visit at midday; however, come peak hour, you can hear the traffic from the main road. In addition, it could be a lot noisier on weekends when neighbours are home, and children are playing in the street. You might be ok with this, or it may not be your cup of tea, so it’s essential to visit at different times to get a feel for the surroundings.

Engage an independent building inspector to carry out a pre-purchase building inspection

Of course, you want to ensure that the house you’re buying is safe and in good shape. In this case, you can hire an independent building inspector to conduct pre-purchase building and pest inspections in Ipswich. In addition to your own checks, the inspector will go through the property in detail to look for code violations and other issues that you might miss. Armed with technology and know-how, inspectors will identify problems you can’t even see.

There are many things to check before you buy a house, and a buying a house inspection checklist is a great way to start on the right foot. Followed by a pre-purchase building inspection by a licensed and experienced inspector, you can make sure that the house you’re buying is safe and structurally sound and getting a good deal.

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