Pre-Purchase Checklist
Essential checks before buying a body corporate property
Financial Health
0/5Building Condition
0/4Management & Governance
0/3Insurance & Legal
0/3Documents Requested
0/3Important Notes:
- Red flag items require extra scrutiny - consider getting professional advice
- Request all documents at least 2 weeks before signing a contract
- Compare fees to similar buildings in the suburb using our comparison tool
- Don't rush - thorough due diligence can save you thousands
This checklist is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or property advice. Always consult qualified professionals including solicitors, conveyancers, and property experts for advice specific to your circumstances.
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This checklist gives you the essentials. For comprehensive guidance on each question, including what answers to look for and specific red flags:
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View All Checklists →Why Due Diligence on a Body Corporate Property Is Different
Buying into a body corporate (strata title, owners corporation, or community title) means buying a share of a collective. Along with the property itself, you inherit the body corporate's financial health, any deferred maintenance, the quality of its governance, and the decisions of every other owner. A property with a deficient sinking fund, ongoing disputes, or poorly maintained common areas can cost you far more than the purchase price difference between it and a better-run building.
Standard building and pest inspections cover your lot but tell you nothing about the collective. You need a separate set of checks focused entirely on the body corporate itself.
All lot owners - including prospective buyers via a strata search - are legally entitled to most of these documents under state legislation. A conveyancer or strata inspector can obtain them on your behalf if you are not yet the owner.
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