A building inspection report details the condition of a property and identifies any present or potential defects. As of December 2025, there isn’t a legislated expiry date for building inspection reports in Victoria, or specifically Melbourne.
However, currently in Melbourne, most buyers and their conveyancers favour reports that are no more than three months old. This is because a property’s condition can change – even in a short timeframe – due to weather events, seasonal shifts, or other unforeseen issues. In the Melbourne Eastern Suburbs, where properties often have established gardens and mature trees, seasonal changes can impact reports significantly. A report completed in December 2025 might not accurately reflect conditions in February 2026 after summer storms. Sellers preparing a report proactively before listing, as part of their preparation – which typically costs between $500 and $800 – should be aware of this timeframe. While a report isn’t *invalid* after three months, it may not satisfy a buyer’s due diligence, potentially lengthening the sales process, which typically runs for 4-6 weeks in 2026. Fletchers’ experience shows that providing a recent report can demonstrate transparency and build buyer confidence.
Therefore, while not legally required, a building inspection report is generally considered current for approximately three months to be most effective during a property sale.