Planning to buy a home or investment property in Melbourne?
Before you sign the contract, a building and pest inspection can help you avoid expensive surprises.
But how much should you budget for an inspection in 2025?
In this guide, we break down the real costs of building and pest inspections across Melbourne and why choosing the cheapest quote might cost you more in the long run.
Why You Need a Building and Pest Inspection
No matter how good a property looks on the surface, hidden issues like structural cracks, water damage, termite infestations, or poor workmanship could be waiting underneath.
A professional building and pest inspection protects your investment by identifying:
- Structural defects
- Safety hazards
- Active pest problems
- Moisture issues that could turn into costly repairs
At Buywise Inspections, we deliver detailed photographic reports within 24 hours, helping Melbourne buyers make informed decisions.
Average Cost of Building and Pest Inspections in Melbourne (2025)
In 2025, the average price for a combined building and pest inspection in Melbourne is:
Property Type | Average Cost |
Small unit/apartment | $380 – $480 |
Standard house (2–3 bedrooms) | $450 – $650 |
Large home (4–5 bedrooms, complex site) | $650 – $850 |
Luxury or multi-site inspections | $800+ |
Factors that can affect cost include:
- Size of the property
- Age of the construction
- Access difficulties (crawl spaces, steep roofs)
- Additional services (e.g., pool inspection, thermal imaging)
Note:
Booking combined building and pest inspections is usually cheaper than organising them separately.
Why Cheap Inspections Can Cost You More
You might find inspection offers advertised for $300 or less.
Be cautious.
Some cheaper inspections:
- Are rushed (minimal time on site)
- Lack thermal imaging or moisture testing
- Provide vague or checklist-only reports
- Use underqualified inspectors
Inexperienced or rushed inspections can miss major issues that cost you tens of thousands later.
At Buywise Inspections, we:
- Spend proper time on site
- Use advanced tools (thermal cameras, moisture meters)
- Deliver photographic reports, not just tick-box forms
- Are fully insured and experienced across Melbourne’s varied construction styles
Saving $100 on inspection today can cost you $50,000 in hidden repairs tomorrow.
Areas We Service Across Melbourne
We inspect properties across South East Melbourne, Bayside, Casey, and the Mornington Peninsula, including suburbs such as:
- Berwick
- Cranbourne
- Frankston
- Mornington
- Mount Eliza
- Seaford
- Officer
- Dandenong
- Carrum Downs
- Clyde North
- Narre Warren
- Pakenham
Whether you are buying an apartment in Brighton or a family home in Langwarrin, we have you covered.
What’s Included in a Building and Pest Inspection
Our standard inspection covers:
- Foundations, walls, roof structure
- Plumbing and drainage overview
- Electrical safety observations
- Water leaks, rising damp
- Termite activity and timber pest damage
- External structures (garages, sheds, fences)
- Roof condition (internal and external)
All findings are explained clearly in an easy-to-read report with photos.
FAQs
In 2025, you can expect to pay between $450 and $650 for a combined building and pest inspection on a standard house in Melbourne. Apartments and smaller properties may cost slightly less, while larger or more complex homes can cost more.
Inspection costs vary based on factors like property size, property type (house vs apartment), inspector experience, equipment used (such as thermal imaging), and whether both building and pest inspections are included. Quality of reporting and customer service can also affect pricing.
Yes. Combining both inspections into one booking saves you time and money. Most companies including Buywise Inspections offer better value packages when you book both services together, compared to booking separately.
Some inspectors may quote low prices initially but add extra charges for thermal imaging, roof access, subfloor inspection, or same-day reports. At Buywise Inspections, we offer fixed-price quotes with no hidden fees everything needed for a complete inspection is included.
Some companies may offer small discounts for booking multiple inspections (for example, if you are inspecting two properties during your property search). However, beware of cutting corners on inspection quality just to save a few dollars — it is not worth risking your investment.
Buying a property is a major financial decision.
Spending a few hundred dollars on a detailed building and pest inspection gives you priceless peace of mind and could save you thousands.
At Buywise Inspections, we provide:
✅ Fast, detailed reports
✅ Thermal and moisture testing included
✅ Licensed, experienced inspectors
✅ Melbourne-wide service
Get a fast, fixed-price quote today.
Protect your investment with Buywise.