Vendor pest inspection: a clean report for buyers, day one

A vendor pest inspection is a pre-sale timber pest inspection report commissioned by the seller rather than the buyer. The seller pays up-front, the report is provided to interested buyers as a disclosure document, and it builds buyer confidence. Most Adelaide vendor reports are written to the same AS 4349.3 standard as a pre-purchase report.

Three reasons. First, it removes a friction point in the sale: buyers know what they are getting. Second, it reduces the chance of last-minute price renegotiation. Third, in a slower Adelaide market it differentiates your listing. A clean vendor pest report sitting alongside the contract makes "yes" easier for the buyer.

A vendor pest inspection in Adelaide typically costs the same as a pre-purchase pest inspection: $250 to $400 for a standalone report, or $330 to $550 for a combined building and pest report. Sellers often opt for the combined report so buyers have a full disclosure package.

Most will, if the inspector is reputable and the scope is AS 4349.3 compliant. A well-presented written report from a vetted inspector carries credibility. Buyers can always commission their own inspection if they want, but a clean vendor report often satisfies them.

Before the property goes on the market. Booking it 1 to 2 weeks before the first open inspection means the report is available from day one. If issues come up, you have time to remediate or price honestly, instead of scrambling mid-campaign.

You have three options. Remediate before listing (best outcome, clean report). Disclose the issue and price accordingly (transparent, fewer surprises). Or leave it for the buyer to handle and price in the cost (riskier, can lead to last-minute renegotiation). The inspector will tell you what is in front of you. The decision is yours.