The Risk You CAN’T Afford to Miss When Buying a Home

That extra shed out the back, the deck perfect for summer barbies, or even a cosy granny flat might seem like a huge bonus when you’re looking at a property. But here’s the catch - did you know that around 1 in 4 homes in NSW have some kind of unapproved structure?

It might look harmless, but if you don’t dig a little deeper before you sign, those “extras” could turn into costly headaches down the track.

Why it matters

You might be thinking: “Hang on, isn’t this something the previous owner should’ve sorted?”

Unfortunately, once the property is in your name, the responsibility (and the risk) is yours. And unapproved work can bring some pretty serious consequences, including:

• Council orders - you could be forced to fix or even remove the structure.

• Insurance issues – damage to an unapproved deck, shed, or granny flat may not be covered.

• Reduced value – future buyers (and their banks) will want to see approvals. If they’re missing, your property could be worth less.

The hidden risk

The biggest trap is that you often won’t know until the checks are done. What looks like a tidy backyard shed could be an unapproved build. What feels like a dream granny flat could turn into a council drama.

That’s why due diligence isn’t just paperwork - it’s your safety net.

How to protect yourself

When you’re buying a property, it pays to have someone in your corner who knows where to look and what to ask. That’s where I come in. I’ll check the fine print, confirm approvals, and make sure there are no nasty surprises hiding behind that “bonus” structure.

Because the last thing you want is to inherit someone else’s problem.

Let’s keep it stress-free for you!

Thinking about making an offer on a place with “extras”? Give me a call before you sign. Together we’ll make sure you’re buying peace of mind, not future problems.