Pre-purchase pest inspection in Adelaide, inside your cooling-off window

Only sometimes. Most Adelaide buyers commission a combined building and pest inspection, which is usually better value. A standalone pre-purchase pest inspection makes sense when you already have a recent building inspection report from a vendor, or when the property is brand new and the only real risk is timber pest activity.

Inside the cooling-off period. In South Australia, the standard cooling-off period for residential contracts is 2 clear business days from signing (sometimes longer if negotiated). Book the inspection as soon as you sign, so the report comes back with enough time to act on it.

A standalone pre-purchase pest inspection typically ranges from $250 to $400 depending on the property. A combined building and pest report sits at $330 to $550. The combined report is usually better value if you do not already have a recent building report.

You have options. Depending on the severity, you can ask the vendor to remediate before settlement, renegotiate the price, withdraw inside the cooling-off period, or accept the issue and remediate yourself after settlement. Your conveyancer should advise on the contractual options. The inspector cannot give you legal advice.

The buyer. Vendors occasionally provide their own pest inspection as a marketing tool (a "vendor pest inspection") but most Adelaide buyers prefer their own independent report.