There are important pre-purchase checks. Visiting or speaking with someone from the local council of the land/property is the best way to find out about important information that may impact on your real estate purchase. For example;

• If there is a vacant block of land next to or near the property, see if there are there any plans for a block of flats or apartments to be built next door.

• You can find out if there are plans for a shopping centre development down the street.

• How the zoning of your real estate will affect your use of it, so it is important to find out from council what the zoning is.

• The local council requires the current owner to notify and seek permission from council before making any modifications or even demolish. Check with council if any of the buildings on the property been built without a permit.

• If you are planning to renovate, you will need to check if the real estate is registered as being of Heritage significance.