Question 1

Buying a Mornington holiday house — what specific risks should I check?

Accepted Answer

Two specific to holiday-house stock: (1) deferred-maintenance compound effect — houses left vacant 9+ months a year accumulate gutter blockages, pest entry, and small leaks that become major. Inspections routinely surface 30–50% MORE defects on holiday-house stock than equivalent owner-occupied. (2) Septic systems — if not on mains sewerage, check the septic / treatment plant condition + last pump-out date. Replacement is $8K–$18K.

Question 2

My Mornington property is in a BAL zone — what does the inspection cover?

Accepted Answer

A standard AS4349.1 inspection notes the BAL rating from your Section 32 but doesn't assess BAL compliance of specific construction elements (window glazing rating, ember-protected eaves, decking timber species). For BAL-rated work, you need a separate Bushfire Compliance Inspection from a BAL-qualified inspector — typically $400–$700.

Question 3

Salt corrosion on the peninsula — how much extra capex?

Accepted Answer

Mornington is Class 4 corrosion. Forward 5-year capex should anticipate one extra repaint cycle, one accelerated gutter+downpipe replacement, and faster wear on all external metal elements. Roughly $5K–$12K extra capex per decade vs an inland equivalent.

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