A property inspection highlights any patent defects within a property. Properties in South Africa are sold 'voetstoets'. This means that defects spotted after the sale has been concluded, now becomes the responsibility of the new home owner. Such defects can can cost thousands of rands to repair.
To avoid this occurrence, it is essential that home buyers make their offer to purchase subject to an SPI report.
The concept of property inspections is established in Europe, America and Australia and in some instances has become compulsory prior to a transfer.