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I am considering to buy a resale landed inter-terrace (think the house is about 30+ years old already). As i am not planning to tear down to rebuild, just a major reno, I understand that for such old landed houses, it is usually recommended to hire a home inspector to check the house for any possible issues (e.g water seepage / electrical wiring issues etc) before purchase. Would like to ask when in the buying process should I request for this home inspection? Is it after i have made an offer? Would i have to build this home inspection contingency into my offer process, i.e. having caveat that offer stands only upon home inspection? Is there any recourse (i.e. withdraw my offer or negotiate a better price) should i find any major issues upon home inspection? Thank you
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6 Answers

Dear sir/mdm,

There is no right or wrong if you choose to do this before or after. Purchasing a resale landed is based on caveat emptor basis. If you put yourself in seller's shoes, will you be expecting a better pricing then should you put in an offer after inspection is completed, meaning that unit is good to go?

Going for a 30+ years unit, the mentality will be better if you are prepared to redo everything including wiring and roofing works for water seepage issues. And this does not apply only to hold houses. In fact some of the new built homes are also experiencing water seepage issues.

Work with an experience landed agent in this case who knows inside out of landed properties instead of getting a friend or relative in just because of that relationship you have. This maybe more costly than you expect. This is not something Artificial Intelligence can help because these are on ground experience. :D

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Hi, when you go for an 30+ years inter terrace it is best to redo almost everything even if you do not plan to rebuild, the most basic being the roofing as well as piping issues. Usually there will be water seepage in the house after such long stay. Do also note on what the land belongs to In URA planning , for example if it is in a 3 storey landed area and the unit you are looking at is a 1 storey, the chances of your neighbours rebuilding is very high, which will cause more issues for you in the long run . If you are looking at purchasing a unit and would like more opinion or advice, I can provide assistance.

If you are interested in prices of houses in your neighbourhood, you may visit this website to find out more or contact me .

https://www.era.com.sg/R064892F

If you are in the process of a property journey be it in renting/selling/buying/investing and you are looking for someone to assist you, I will be avaliable Do reach out to me for assistance.

Landon Chew
97 39 60 40
Landonchew@email.com Read More
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Hi, appreciate your sharing. I propose to check with valuator, banker and any contractors if required before any offers.
Looking forward to assist you at 9696 4398  or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com

Cheers
Stewart-PropNex (Senior Associate Division Director) Read More
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Hi,

I would be most glad to assist you further and pls feel free to let me know if you need any assistance. Have a good day ahead.

Regards
Aaron Chong
 9730 8455 
aaronchong2774@yahoo.com.sg Read More
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When purchasing a resale landed property, especially one as old as the inter-terrace you're considering, a thorough home inspection is indeed crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide on when and how to incorporate a home inspection into your buying process:

1. **Initial Offer Stage**: When you make your initial offer on the property, it's common to include a clause stating that the offer is contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection. This means that your offer is not binding until the inspection has been completed to your satisfaction.

2. **Negotiation Phase**: If the seller accepts your offer with the inspection contingency, you'll have a window of time specified in the contract to conduct the inspection. During this phase, you can negotiate the terms of the sale based on the inspection findings. If the inspection reveals significant issues such as water seepage or electrical problems, you can either withdraw your offer or negotiate a lower price to compensate for the cost of repairs.

3. **Scheduling the Inspection**: Once your offer is accepted, it's time to schedule the home inspection. Hire a reputable home inspector with experience in older properties, especially inter-terraces. They'll thoroughly assess the condition of the house, including its structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and any potential signs of water damage or other issues.

4. **Reviewing the Inspection Report**: After the inspection is completed, review the inspector's report carefully. Pay close attention to any major issues or safety concerns highlighted in the report. If there are significant problems, discuss them with your real estate agent and decide on the appropriate course of action.

5. **Decision Time**: Based on the inspection report and any negotiations with the seller, you'll need to make a decision whether to proceed with the purchase, renegotiate the terms, or withdraw your offer altogether.

Remember, while a home inspection can uncover potential issues, it's not a guarantee that every problem will be discovered. However, it provides valuable insight into the condition of the property and helps you make an informed decision about whether it's the right investment for you.
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Hi there!

It would always be best to get an inspector in before you put an offer, as usually you will buy a property in an as-is where-is basis.

I sold an old landed recently and the buyer themselves came to view 4 times with various contractors to have a peace of mind, before they put in an offer as they too did not intend to tear down and rebuild.

Hope this helps!
Bhavina Kaur
Propnex Realty
 +65 91708295 
Whatsapp - wa.me/6591708295
Facebook - facebook.com/soldbybhavina
Instagram - instagram.com/soldbybhavina
Youtube - youtube.com/@soldbybhavina Read More
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