#385: Buying a Renovated Home - What You Need to Know About Permits, Certificates, Liability and More
The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)Summary
A recent podcast episode addresses crucial considerations for homebuyers in Victoria, particularly regarding renovations and the associated documentation. The discussion centers on a listener's inquiry about a property that has undergone significant renovations, including structural changes, without the necessary compliance certificates. The hosts emphasize the importance of obtaining documentation such as certificates of electrical safety, plumbing compliance, and waterproofing warranties before finalizing a purchase.
The conversation highlights the potential risks of buying properties with undocumented renovations, especially those completed by owner-builders. The hosts outline that while cosmetic changes may not require permits, structural alterations do, and the absence of required documentation can lead to significant liabilities for buyers. They stress the importance of thorough due diligence, including obtaining a Section 32 statement that lists any building permits issued in the past seven years, and the necessity of ensuring that all renovations comply with local regulations.
Moreover, the podcast explores the implications of missing documentation on home insurance, noting that insurers may reject claims related to undisclosed defects. The hosts encourage buyers to be proactive in requesting necessary paperwork and to consider commissioning their own inspections to mitigate risks. As the episode concludes, they reflect on the broader context of property regulations across Australia, underscoring the need for buyers to be well-informed and cautious when navigating the complexities of property transactions.
Show Notes
Cate, Dave and Mike tackle a listener question about buying a Melbourne home renovated within the last two years, where the certificates are missing and the only paperwork is a visual-only Section 137B owner-builder report.
What should a Victorian buyer expect in the Section 32, and does the risk disappear once the disclosure window closes? The trio unpack permits, owner-builder warranty cover, insurance, title insurance and whether any discount makes missing certificates acceptable.
Then they head around the country to compare disclosure and owner-builder rules state by state. A beautiful renovation is only as sound as the paperwork behind it.
The Property Trio is:
David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/
Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/
Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/
📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/
Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/10/26/buying-a-renovated-home/
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