00VILLA GUIDE
Inspecting a resale villa before you buy
A resale villa may have years of additions, repairs and shortcuts hidden behind fresh paint. Viewings show the décor; an inspection looks at the systems that cost money to put right — AC, roof and waterproofing, electrics, plumbing, pool and gates. Knowing their condition before you commit helps you budget, negotiate and plan the first year of ownership.
01PART
Cooling and electrics
Ask how old the AC units are and when they were last serviced, and check whether every room cools. Look at the board: is it labelled, does it have space, are there signs of heat or later additions? Repeated trips or warm sockets are warning signs.
- Run every AC unit and compare rooms.
- Photograph the distribution board.
- Ask about extensions and added circuits.
02PART
Water and waterproofing
Read the water meter with everything off. Look for ceiling stains under bathrooms and terraces, damp at the base of walls, and fresh paint patches that may hide them. Check the water tank and pump.
- Check the meter for silent leaks.
- Look for stains and patched paint.
- Inspect tank, pump and water heaters.
03PART
Outside
Pools, irrigation and gates are easy to overlook on a viewing. Ask for maintenance records, run the irrigation, test the gates and look at the pool plant and water clarity.
- Ask for maintenance records.
- Test gates and garage doors.
- Look at the pool plant room.
04QUESTIONS
- Is a fresh repaint a warning sign?
- Not necessarily, but patched areas on ceilings are worth asking about.
- What records should I ask for?
- AC servicing, pool and tank maintenance, and any repair or extension work.
- Can an inspection find hidden leaks?
- Meter checks and moisture readings find many; some need further testing.
- Should I inspect before or after an offer?
- Ideally before committing, so findings can inform the price.