Ask the appropriate professionals to check the contract, title, property condition, site considerations and insurance. Lender approval is not a substitute for legal or building due diligence.
Start with title and permitted use
A conveyancer or solicitor can explain the title, easements, covenants, owners corporation arrangements and contract conditions. For zoning, land use and overlays, use current council and Victorian planning resources and seek advice on the specific property.
Look at the site, not just the suburb
Bushfire, flood, access, drainage and other risks can vary by address. Check what is relevant and obtain insurance information before committing. Do not assume every property within an LGA has the same risk profile.
Understand condition and expected work
Arrange appropriate inspections and obtain realistic quotes for essential work. A renovation allowance should include timing and a contingency. The lender's valuation is not a building inspection or a guarantee of condition.
Clarify what the lender still needs
Property type, valuation and acceptability can affect the final lending decision. Ask what remains outstanding under any pre-approval before making a finance-dependent commitment.
Keep the professionals in their lanes
Your broker helps with lending; your conveyancer addresses the legal contract; building and pest professionals assess relevant condition issues; an insurer explains cover. Using each appropriately gives you a more complete picture than treating any one approval as all-clear.
Sources & further reading
Prepared 4 October 2026. General information; check current rules for your circumstances.