Standard Sale and Purchase Agreement NZ
If you are buying or selling a property, you may know that Sale and Purchase Agreements now contain the option of a standard building report clause. The purchaser can choose to include this clause by circling “Yes” at the appropriate place on the front page.
We recommend you select yes and get a pre-purchase building inspection.
Do you need a Building Report?
What is a pre-purchase building report condition?
The pre-purchase building report condition adds a clause to the contract that a builders report must be obtained before the purchase goes unconditional.
As a buyer, you may cancel the sale based on the building report if you are unhappy with any aspect. However, this must be considered to be on reasonable grounds. You may also be asked to provide a copy of the building report to the vendor. This gives the vendor a chance to see the issues.
There are two ways to insert a building report clause into a Sale and Purchase Agreement. One is to accept the standard clause that is already part of the agreement. The second is for the purchaser to request the addition of a specific alternative clause.
The standard building report clause contains several points for buyers and sellers
The standard building inspection clause wording has been drafted by the Auckland District Law Society and includes a number of different points including:
- That the report is done at the purchaser’s expense
- The report must be done within 10 working days of the date of the agreement
- The building report must be carried out by a suitably qualified building inspector and a written report provided
- Invasive testing cannot be done without the owner’s consent
Read the building report clause closely to prevent problems
Whether you are the seller or the buyer, it is important to read the clause carefully. This is especially important if the potential buyer has added a separate clause.
As a buyer, you should consider accepting anything other than the standard building clause. You should consider issues that put you under undue pressure. For example, the clause might state that the buyer will accept the report if you do not respond within a certain number of days. Or you might have to give the seller a chance to rectify any issues. If you want the building inspection done by someone specific, you may also need to alter the clause.
As a vendor, you might want to ensure you have a chance to carry out repairs before the buyer can pull out. If the buyer does pull out, it can be a good idea to follow through on the option to have a copy of the report. This could help you solve any problems before you try to sell the house again.
How do I get a builders report?
Your builders' report should be done by an independent person who is a qualified inspector. Whether you are the buyer or the seller, using an independent qualified inspector ensures that the building report is comprehensive and without prejudice.
The report will cover the interior and exterior of the property, looking at areas where issues can occur such as the roof, flashings, and subfloor and checks on electrics and plumbing through moisture testing.
Usually, you will get a written report, but if you need a result quickly, you can ask for a verbal report.
Choose an inspector carefully by researching them first, asking for recommendations from friends and family or looking at online reviews.
InnoHome offers pre-purchase inspections across Auckland with prompt written reports that offer comprehensive results.
Do you need a Building Report?
Consult Your Lawyer
If you have any doubts about the building report clause in your agreement, consult a lawyer before you proceed and ask for advice. If you want to add a separate building report clause, you should ask a lawyer to draw up this clause for you.
All the information published on this website or any article is true and accurate to the author’s knowledge. Information on this site should not be a substitute for legal advice. Please consult with your lawyer before signing any agreement.