CHECKLIST: House Due Diligence
$20
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Inspections move quickly, advice comes from everywhere, and it’s hard to know what really matters before making an offer.
This checklist is a practical due diligence tool designed for people buying their first home. It supports the research and checks you are already doing and helps you assess a property more clearly before you commit.
The checklist brings together key considerations that are often overlooked, including planning controls, liveability, building condition, ongoing costs, and future risk.
It is designed to help you slow down, ask better questions, and identify deal-breakers, risks and trade-offs early in the buying process.
WHAT IS IN THE CHECKLIST
This checklist guides you through:
Location and neighbourhood considerations
Site layout and outdoor space
Planning controls and future development risk
Layout, sunlight, ventilation and comfort
Building quality, condition and moisture risks
Energy efficiency and running costs
Parking, access and internet availability
Professional checks to complete before exchange
Red flags that may warrant pausing or walking away
HOW TO USE IT
You can use this checklist:
Before booking inspections
During open homes
When comparing properties
Before making an offer
It is designed for mobile and print, so you can view it on your phone or take it with you to inspections.
You do not need to complete every item for every property. The checklist is intended to help you focus on what matters most.
WHO IT’S FOR
This checklist is for:
First-home buyers
Buyers entering unfamiliar suburbs or areas
Anyone wanting a clearer, more structured way to assess a property
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
A downloadable PDF checklist
Structured for real-world use at inspections
Clear, plain-English prompts
No hype, no sales language
WHO CREATED IT
This checklist has been developed by John O’Callaghan, a trained town planner with over a decade of experience in planning and the built environment.
NOTE: This checklist provides general information only. It is not legal, financial or planning advice. You should always seek advice from qualified professionals before purchasing property.