Combustible Cladding – Property Acquisitions

 

You have found your perfect office or apartment to purchase but have you checked whether the external cladding is compliant?

Clients who are seeking to purchase business premises or an apartment either as an investment or to reside should enquire as to whether the external cladding complies with the Building Code of Australia.  The fires in Grenfell, UK and Docklands, Melbourne emphasize the point that many of our towers may be unsafe as they are cladded with non-complaint materials.  Purchasers should make initial enquiries with the real estate agent and also check the section 32 document to see whether any non-compliant combustible cladding has been disclosed.  The law as it stands is that building owners are primarily responsible and that it is buyer beware.  Although building owners may have a claim against the builder it has been difficult to receive restitution.

Should you still be unsure after examining the Section 32 document, you could engage a registered and accredited fire engineer to do an assessment and make the contract conditional or just walk away.