5 investigations to conduct when buying a unit or apartment in Queensland

Are you buying a unit or an apartment in Queensland and need to know what precautionary measures you should take, like what you should investigate about the property?

Reviewed and verified by our longtime solicitors, this article provides helpful information on what property investigations or certificates you should order to ensure the property is good for your money.

1. Body Corporate Information Certificate (Form 13)

This informational certificate discloses levies imposed on the unit with details of any outstanding amount to ensure that the seller would pay it before or at settlement. It also includes information about property improvement obligations that would be passed on to you once the unit becomes yours.

2. Body Corporate Records Search

This certificate discloses body corporate matters not included in Form 13 and the seller’s disclosure statement, such as bylaws, meeting minutes, lot entitlements, pool compliance, pest inspections, past litigation details, levies, insurance, and sometimes building valuations.

3. Community Management Statement

This investigation provides a copy of the community management statement that manages the unit or apartment. It usually contains information about exclusively used bylaws, scheme bylaws and voting rights.

4. Building Management Statement

This certificate provides a copy of the building management statement that is lodged on title. These statements govern the agreement between two or more lot owners to provide reciprocal rights for utility services, access, support, shelter and insurance arrangements. Building Management Statements also may indicate there are additional costs payable on a regular basis for the property. 

5. Certificate of Classification

This document is for a corporate body containing 2 or more separate units. It verifies if the local council knows the development approval conditions have been satisfied and is important to making sure the property is council approved. 

A Word From Us

You can conduct many other property investigations when buying a unit or apartment, so we have only included the ones we think are the most important. 
If you need more help from knowledgeable people, contact us so we can discuss your concern in real-time. You may also get a hassle-free online consultation showing you the exact costs of our services.