PROPERTY TECHNICAL DUE DILLEGENCE

PROPERTY & STRUCTURAL CONDITION

Where buildings already exist on the property, we can undertake a visual assessment of their general condition.

This may include observations relating to:

• Structural cracking
• Settlement or movement
• Reinforced concrete deterioration
• Dampness and moisture
• Roof condition
• Waterproofing
• External drainage
• Retaining structures
• Balconies and terraces
• Internal and external finishes
• Visible construction defects
• General maintenance condition

Where appropriate, moisture meters, thermal imaging equipment and other surveying equipment may be used to assist the investigation.

PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATION REVIEW

Where statutory documentation is available, we review the relevant planning and building approvals associated with the property.

This may include:

• Planning Permits
• Building Permits
• Approved architectural drawings
• Permit conditions
• Amended approvals
• Certificates of Approval where available
• Other relevant statutory documentation

The purpose is to establish the approved development and identify matters that may require further investigation.

COMPARISON WITH APPROVED PLANS

Where approved drawings are available, the existing property can be compared against the approved documentation.

Potential differences may include:

• Building extensions
• Enclosed verandahs
• Additional rooms
• Covered terraces
• Pergolas
• Carports
• Storage structures
• Swimming pools
• Auxiliary buildings
• Changes to internal layouts
• Changes to external areas
• Boundary structures
• Other alterations or additions

Material differences identified during the assessment are recorded within the report for further consideration.

TITLE DEED & PROPERTY INFORMATION REVIEW

Where Title Deed and Land Registry information is available, the documentation can be reviewed alongside the physical property and available approvals.

The assessment may consider matters such as:

• Property identification
• Registration details
• Parcel information
• Registered areas
• Property shares
• Separate Title Deed status
• Horizontal division information
• Apparent discrepancies between registered information and the property observed

The technical review does not replace legal due diligence undertaken by the purchaser’s lawyer. Where legal matters arise, these should be referred to the client’s legal adviser.

PLANNING PARAMETERS & DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

For land, redevelopment projects or properties where future extensions are being considered, the applicable planning framework can form part of the assessment.

Depending on the instruction, this may include review of:

• Planning zone
• Building density
• Site coverage
• Permitted number of floors
• Maximum building height
• Setbacks
• Existing development
• Remaining development potential
• Access considerations
• Potential development constraints

This can assist purchasers in understanding whether their intended future use or development of the property appears feasible in principle.

LAND & SITE CONSTRAINTS

For land acquisitions, the assessment can also consider visible or documented site-related matters which may affect development.

Depending on the property, these may include:

• Road access
• Plot configuration
• Topography
• Significant level differences
• Retaining requirements
• Existing structures
• Adjacent development
• Watercourses
• Public green areas
• Rights of way where identified within the documentation
• Visible infrastructure
• Other physical constraints affecting development

Specialist surveys or investigations may be recommended where required.

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES

Where relevant information is available, consideration may also be given to the apparent availability or arrangement of:

• Electricity
• Water supply
• Sewerage or septic systems
• Road access
• Telecommunications
• Stormwater drainage
• Other visible infrastructure

Confirmation from the relevant utility provider or authority may be recommended where the information cannot be independently verified during the assessment.