When you buy a holiday home, you’re buying the dream and the reality. This checklist keeps you from missing the expensive stuff.
A) Location & access
- Real travel time (Friday night, not Tuesday morning)
- Road conditions in heavy rain / peak season
- Parking (cars + boat/van)
- Walkability (beach, shops, cafés)
- Noise in peak season (traffic, pubs, events)
B) Comfort & liveability
- Cross ventilation and shade
- Winter warmth (drafts, insulation)
- Bedroom practicality (not just “sleeps 8”)
- Storage for lifestyle gear
- Outdoor living area usability (wind, privacy)
C) Services & connectivity
- Mobile signal inside/outside
- Internet options
- Water source (town/tank/bore)
- Septic type & last service
- Power reliability (especially rural/off-grid)
D) Risk & durability
- Signs of water ingress or mould
- Roof age/condition + gutters
- Drainage and where stormwater goes
- Coastal corrosion signs (if near water)
- Termite risk and treatment history
E) Costs & ownership reality
- Insurance indicative cost (check early)
- Rates + utilities estimate
- Maintenance rhythm (paint/deck reseal cycles)
- Trades availability locally
- Resale appeal: would others want this too?
Tip: Score each item 1–5. Any “1” needs a plan or a price adjustment.
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