Who this article is for
Conveyancers, solicitors, and legal advisors using Expert Reports during property purchases.
What this article covers
How Expert Reports assist legal due diligence
Understanding the findings
How to pair the report with contract review
Common legal considerations flagged
What Expert Reports provide
Expert Reports give legal professionals:
A plain-language assessment of building risks
Context behind compliance issues
Insights into funding, insurance and governance
Early identification of potential contract conditions
They simplify large portions of legal review by summarising what matters most.
How to use an Expert Report during contract review
1. Identify compliance or insurance risks
Issues flagged may require:
Contract conditions
Further specialist reports
Clarification from the committee or manager
2. Use the recommendations as a due diligence checklist
Experts highlight:
Additional documents to request
Questions to ask the manager
Items needing clarification
Future risks to disclose to the buyer
3. Compare findings against building minutes & documents
Use the Expert Report to verify:
Recurring problems
Pending works
Funding concerns
Disputes or governance behaviour
4. Address risk with your client early
Highlight:
Short-term vs long-term risks
Urgent vs low-impact issues
Financial implications
Insurance exposure
This helps prevent surprise contract amendments later.
Common legal considerations flagged in reports
Unresolved defects
Low Capital Works Fund
Expiring or missing compliance
Insurance exclusions or gaps
High-risk past issues (e.g., water ingress)
Committee disputes or governance problems
Significant planned works
These may require conditions, advice or negotiation.
FAQs
Can Expert Reports replace legal advice?
No — they support your due diligence but do not replace legal review.
Do Experts physically inspect the building?
Typically no — the report is based on documents provided.
Can I request clarification from the Expert?
Buyers may message Experts depending on service level.