A pest inspection, also known as a timber pest inspection, is a professional assessment to identify the presence of termites and other timber-destroying pests within a property. As of December 2025, while not legally *required* for a property sale in Victoria, it’s a very common and strongly advised step for prospective buyers.
Currently in Melbourne, particularly in the Eastern Suburbs where many properties are established and feature timber construction, buyers routinely request pest inspection reports as a condition of their purchase. Sellers preparing a property for sale in 2026 often proactively obtain a pest inspection *before* listing. This allows them to address any issues identified, potentially avoiding complications during the sales process. A clear pest report can reassure buyers and streamline negotiations. In our experience at Fletchers, properties with existing pest reports tend to attract more interest and can sometimes achieve a quicker sale. The cost of a pest inspection typically ranges from $250 to $500, depending on the property size and complexity. Buyers will generally engage their own independent pest inspector during the due diligence period, which is typically 2-4 weeks. The findings can influence their decision to proceed, or may lead to a renegotiation of the sale price.
Understanding the prevalence of pest inspections is key for Melbourne sellers, as it’s a standard part of the buyer journey in 2026.