Autumn Home Inspections: What Buyers Should Look For This Season

Autumn property sales are well underway. If you’re buying a home in Adelaide this season, there are key things to look for at open home inspections.

Adelaide summers are hot and harsh and the winters can be gloomy, but autumn has ideal conditions for open home inspections. While the weather conditions are perfect for vendors showcasing their properties, home buyers in Adelaide should pay attention to the bigger economic picture as well as the finer details of astute home hunting.

Mortgage interest rates, inflation and fuel costs are on the rise so buyers need room in their budget for increasing living costs. This season’s home buyers would be wise to consider move-in ready homes, low-maintenance and energy-efficient properties, and homes with proximity to public transport and infrastructure.

Adelaide’s northern suburbs are booming! Northern suburbs such as Salisbury and Elizabeth are achieving the state’s highest 12-month growth rates due to improved transport links and new land releases. Northeastern suburbs like Ridgehaven, Windsor Gardens and Modbury also offer value for family buyers.

Adelaide home buyers are paying top dollar for units, apartments and houses right across Adelaide as median prices are at an all-time high. Buyer due diligence means considering a property’s price range compared to the median price in that area and assessing a property’s long term growth potential.

While clay soil and dry summers do make many Adelaide homes prone to minor cracking, seasonal changes may highlight cracks in the exterior brickwork as well as significant interior cracks which may indicate unstable foundations. A professional building inspector can provide an inspection report for buyers.

With energy costs high, a home’s heating and cooling systems, orientation, insulation and natural ventilation are key things to consider if you want to avoid hefty power bills during summer and winter. Mild autumn weather means buyers might miss important features such as how well a home is insulated, if it has efficient heating and cooling systems, and whether it has adequate ventilation for natural cooling.

Autumn is a great time of year to see how much leaf litter may accumulate on roofs and in gutters, but home buyers in Adelaide don’t always pay attention to the state of a property’s roof. If there are overhanging deciduous trees, check if the roof has gutter guard – or be prepared for frequent gutter cleaning.

Buyers are increasingly keen on neighbourhoods with good local amenities, both for their daily enjoyment and for the resale potential. Adelaide home buyers should snap up properties that are zoned for good public schools or close to private schools as well as local cafes, leafy reserves and public transport options.

If you are hoping to buy a house in Adelaide this autumn, give us a call or visit our offices – our helpful sales partners are always keen to show serious buyers our on- and off-market properties!