Hi Angela,

I am looking to buy a property in Petersham (Marrickville Council). It is an old terrace, but it is not heritage listed. It has been renovated substantially (all new floor joists, floorboards, ceilings, bathroom, replaced windows and the back wall opened to be French doors). They claim however that no structural work was done and therefore they did not go through any council DA or other process. Should I be worried about purchasing the property? Is this is a big gamble and is there anything I can do to mitigate this gamble?

Thanks very much, sorry the question is a bit open-ended!!!

Scott

Hi Scott,

It sounds structural to me! Best option for you is to call the council and ask them if such work would require approval – just give them a hypothetical scenario – or track down some local builders in the area and ask them if such work would need council approval. If you don’t get any luck there, you could pay a draftsperson/architect to go and have a look at the place.

Cheers,
Angela