Real Estate Agents / Property Practitioners
In today’s highly competitive real estate market, property practitioners need every edge to stand out and close deals effectively. A good agent knows that reputation matters most—providing clients with transparency and a smooth experience goes further than just securing a sale.
The new Property Practitioners Act, effective from 1 February 2022, requires that sellers disclose all known defects in a property before accepting an offer to purchase. This includes providing a complete written record of defects (known as the Disclosure Document / Defects List). Failure to provide this document puts both the seller and the estate agent at risk, as it could lead to liability for non-disclosure or omissions.
Understanding Defects: Latent vs. Patent
Latent Defects
These are hidden issues that are not immediately visible and may only become apparent after a period of use or during a thorough inspection. Latent defects are often concealed within the structure or systems of the property and may not be apparent to a reasonable person during a basic inspection.
They typically require expert inspection to identify and can be serious, potentially affecting the safety, functionality, and longevity of the property.
Examples: damaged or compromised load-bearing beams or walls, foundation issues, rising damp or hidden roof leaks.
Patent Defects
These are visible issues that can be easily observed through a casual inspection of the property. Patent defects are obvious and should be disclosed by the seller to avoid disputes.
- Examples: broken windows, cracked tiles, peeling paint, blocked toilets or a sinking driveway.
A Home Inspection covers both!
A professional home inspection covers both patent defects (those easily seen) and latent defects (those hidden from plain sight). During the disclosure process, best practice is to disclose all known defects—not just the obvious ones. This transparency builds trust, protects everyone involved, and allows the buyer to focus on what they love about the property, rather than worrying about what might be hidden beneath the surface.
At Discover Home Inspections, we are independent, trained, experienced, and certified inspectors who know exactly what to look for. It’s what we do—every day. Our thorough inspections provide a clear, unbiased overview of the entire property, identifying potential risks before they become problems. This approach adds tremendous value not only to buyers, but also to sellers who want to reduce comebacks and estate agents who aim to close deals ethically and confidently.
A Home Inspection will help you to:
- Build Trust – Show clients you're committed to transparency and professionalism
- Reduce Disputes – Identifie issues upfront, minimising post-sale comebacks
- Speed Up the Sale – Fewer surprises mean quicker, smoother transactions
- Supports Legal Compliance – Helps meet the disclosure requirements of the Property Practitioners Act
- Enhance Marketing – “Pre-inspected” homes stand out and attract serious buyers
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Why Choose Discover Home Inspections?
We pride ourselves on our thoroughness, professionalism, and commitment to our clients. With years of experience in the industry, our certified inspectors use the latest tools and techniques to provide detailed, easy-to-understand reports. We are dedicated to helping home buyers, sellers and estate agents make informed decisions, offering personalized service tailored to your specific needs.