CHECKLIST: Apartment Due Diligence

$20

Buying an apartment involves a different set of risks and considerations to buying a house. Many relate to shared ownership, building quality, governance and long-term costs, and are often only discovered after purchase.

Over the years, family, friends and clients have often asked me for apartment-buying tips. I’ve pulled the most common and practical ones together into this due diligence checklist.

This checklist is designed for people buying their first apartment and provides a clear, practical way to support the research and due diligence you are already doing before making an offer.

It helps you slow down, ask better questions, and identify deal-breakers, risks and trade-offs early.

WHAT IS IN THE CHECKLIST

This checklist guides you through:

Location and neighbourhood context
Apartment position within the building
Layout, aspect and comfort
Parking, access and internet availability
Strata governance and ongoing costs
Building age, quality and defects
Professional checks before exchange
Red flags to pause or walk away

HOW TO USE IT

You can use this checklist:

Before booking inspections
During open homes
When comparing apartments
Before making an offer

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 if for:

First-home buyers
Buyers purchasing an apartment for the first time
Anyone wanting a clearer, more structured way to assess apartment risks

WHAT YOU RECIEVE

A downloadable PDF checklist
Structured for real-world inspection use
Clear, plain-English prompts
No hype, no sales language

WHO CREATED IT

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.