Fixtures, Fittings & Inclusions: What Sydney Buyers Must Check Before Exchange

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Fixtures, Fittings and Inclusions: What Sydney Buyers Should Confirm Before Exchange

Buying a property in Sydney?

Before you exchange contracts, there’s one detail you should never assume:

What exactly is included with the property?

Just because you saw something during an inspection doesn’t necessarily mean it will still be there when you move in.

Think about the refrigerator, television, curtains, outdoor furniture, garden shed, security cameras, or even an expensive light fitting.

If you want it to stay, make sure it’s clear.

So, what should you check?

Start with the kitchen.

Check whether the dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, wine fridge and other appliances are included.

Built-in appliances are different from freestanding items, so don’t simply assume that everything you see is part of the purchase.

Next, look at the light fittings and window furnishings.

If there’s a designer pendant light, plantation shutters, motorised blinds or expensive curtains that you particularly like, confirm whether they’re staying.

The same applies to air conditioning, ceiling fans and heating systems.

Then look outside.

Is there a garden shed?

An outdoor kitchen?

A built-in BBQ?

Pool equipment?

A spa?

Outdoor furniture?

Irrigation?

These are all things worth clarifying if they matter to you.

And don’t forget technology.

Modern homes can have security cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, alarms and other smart-home equipment.

You need to understand what physical equipment is included and whether any subscriptions or accounts are involved.

What about furniture?

If you’re buying a furnished property, don’t assume the furniture automatically comes with it.

If something is important to you, make sure it is specifically agreed and properly documented.

Here’s the important part.

Don’t rely solely on what the selling agent tells you verbally.

If an item is important to your purchase, have the agreed inclusion properly documented and have your solicitor or conveyancer advise you on the contract.

Your property contract is far more important than what you remember being told during an inspection.

And this is why it matters before exchange.

Once contracts are exchanged, changing the agreed terms can become much more difficult.

So before you commit, ask:

What stays?

What goes?

And is everything I’ve agreed to buy actually documented?

A few minutes spent checking the inclusions before exchange can prevent a much bigger problem later.

At Truth Group, I help Sydney buyers assess properties, carry out appropriate due diligence, negotiate with selling agents and navigate the purchasing process.

Buy Smarter. Negotiate Better.

If you’re looking at buying a property in Sydney and want help assessing the opportunity before you make an offer, get in touch with Truth Group.