This time of year is great for anyone thinking about purchasing a house with a swimming pool. Those in the market for a new home often feel tempted by beautiful pools included with a property. But, as with most decisions around choosing a property, it’s best to go with your head and not your heart.
That’s not to say that buying a house with a pool is a bad idea. Not at all.
But, buying a house with a swimming pool without doing all your homework IS a bad idea.
Purchasing a house with a swimming pool safely …
To cut to the chase here, you need to ensure you get a compliance certificate for the pool before settlement. If you can, get one at the time of Contract signing, that’s great. If not, the Contract conditions should include a copy provided before settlement. (Refer to our other blog for information on conditions in Contracts). Once settlement occurs, the Purchaser is responsible for the pool, no matter what condition it’s in.
A compliance certificate will state that the pool is safe. Particularly around the matter of fencing height and security.
Also, if works need to be done to make the pool compliant, request inclusion in the decision-making process regarding what will be done. You don’t want to find out after settlement that the Vendor just chucked up some pieces of corrugated iron to make the fence height compliant (yes it has been done and the Purchaser was not happy!!).
A house with a swimming pool can look very attractive. And if the compliance certificate, Contract conditions, and settlement are all handled professionally, your new home’s pool can be a joyful retreat for you and your family for years to come.
If you’d like a bit more info on pool safety and home-owners responsibilities, try this SA Government site.
To make sure you get everything right with the purchase of a house with a swimming pool, get in touch with us here, or call us on (08) 8261 5092.