Illegal building works – the horror story edition

Illegal building works create obstacles in property transactions

Property prices have soared in recent years, making real estate one of the most significant investments that most Australians will ever make. Whether buying or selling a property, the last thing anyone wants is to encounter unexpected legal or financial hurdles due to illegal building works.

Unapproved works can affect property values. Buyers may hesitate to purchase a property with unresolved building problems, and sellers may struggle to sell a property with illegal structures, potentially leading to financial losses.

Not all building works require approvals, but many do. It pays to be aware of your obligations to ensure you do not end up with illegal building works on your property. As a buyer, you need to ensure you undertake the necessary checks on the property you are hoping to buy.