Know everything about your property before you buy it.

Federal, state and local government regulations are always changing — a house built 50, 20 or even 2 years ago may not meet today's requirements. Knowing whether a property is subject to certain risks helps you ask the right questions and check that it meets current standards.

Regulations change constantly, and their impact is unique to every block. Understanding a property's risks before you buy can save you tens of thousands in unwanted surprises later. The report won't change your block's risk profile, but you'll go into the purchase with your eyes open to its risks and limitations.

Not always — it depends on the severity. A block that slopes less than 3% is fairly flat, while a slope over 10% can be significant and affect things like where you put a driveway. Any slope across your block over 15% can greatly limit what and how you build, and significantly increases construction costs.

Yes. Building in a bushfire-prone area can mean higher insurance premiums, local-government requirements for managing vegetation, provision for fire-control items, and additional National Construction Code (NCC) requirements.

What about new builds? The NCC mandates additional construction requirements for homes built or substantially renovated within a bushfire zone. Not all bushfire zones are equal — each property is assigned a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) depending on its characteristics and surroundings. A BAL assessment is usually required by the local government before a building permit is issued, and it's best to get one as early in the design process as possible.

Substantial parts of the Perth and Mandurah area fall within flood zones. The WA Government identifies areas potentially affected by flooding and assigns a probability (expressed as 1-in-X years) — some areas are as high as 1-in-5-year, others 1-in-100-year or no discernible risk. In high-probability areas you may need extra civil works to raise the site level, or a different construction method (such as a suspended slab, foundations supported by piles, or a house on stilts) so floodwater doesn't enter the home. The NCC or your certifying engineer may also require specific measures.

Already in a flood zone? It's not too late — drainage improvements like channel drains, soak wells, retaining walls and landscaping can help direct water away from the property and into stormwater systems.

In short, yes. Older homes in particular often weren't built to block rail, road and air-traffic noise to modern standards — which can require thicker windows, extra insulation, solid walls as noise barriers, and changes to building orientation to limit noise in living areas.

What about a new home? New homes in noise areas face additional NCC, state and local requirements and are typically more expensive to build. There are different levels of noise exposure — our report tells you your property's level so you understand the impact.

There's no single right answer, but it's often wise to build consistent with the surrounding area so you don't under or over capitalise. If you're building to sell, a home that fits the neighbourhood is more likely to be valued fairly. Our report shows what people are spending to build new houses in your area — including the lowest and highest-cost builds — so you can see how your spend compares with your neighbours.

The Master Builders Association noted in 2024 that Western Australia is the slowest state in Australia to build a new home. Every build differs, but around 18 months from approval is the current WA average. Using the information you provide, our report generates an indicative full timeline — from design and approvals through construction to occupation.

No — ground conditions vary a lot across Perth, and they directly affect how, and how much, you can build. The Swan Coastal Plain ranges from free-draining Bassendean and Spearwood sands to Tamala limestone near the coast and reactive clays along the river flats and Darling Scarp foothills. Your soil type drives your site classification, which sets the footing and slab design you'll need. Stable sand or rock is cheapest to build on; reactive clay moves with moisture and needs stiffened slabs or piering — adding cost if it's missed. A soil test is required before building, and our report gives you an early read on likely ground conditions.