Buying a property is often emotional. The risk is that important details get missed in the excitement of an inspection.
The 10-Step Pre-Purchase Property Checklist is a simple framework designed to help buyers slow down and assess a property with clarity before making an offer.
This printable 2–3 page checklist guides you through the key areas that experienced buyers review when evaluating a home, including location, lifestyle fit, price reality, condition, planning constraints, ongoing costs, and long-term resale strength.
Each section includes quick checkboxes and a score out of ten, allowing you to compare properties side by side and identify potential red flags early.
Bring it with you to inspections, score the property objectively, and avoid committing to a home that may not suit your needs long term.
Inside the checklist, you will:
• Evaluate the location and street position
• Test whether the property fits your lifestyle and commute
• Compare the asking price against recent sales
• Identify potential building and planning risks
• Estimate ongoing ownership costs
• Assess resale appeal and future demand
• Prepare for negotiation before making an offerA simple rule sits at the centre of the framework:
If a property scores under 70 out of 100, pause before committing.
This checklist is designed for buyers who want to make structured, confident decisions rather than rushed emotional ones.