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Hidden defects discovered: what now?

Discovering hidden defects in a newly purchased home can quickly turn the joy of homeownership into a stressful ordeal. In this blog post, we delve into the responsibilities of both buyers and sellers when it comes to these hidden issues, and how you can protect yourself with a thorough building inspection.

The house has been purchased, the last moving boxes have been unpacked, and you're already starting to feel at home. A new home is definitely cause for celebration. But what if you discover a hidden defect after the purchase? In this blog post, we explain who is liable and what you can do.

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Obligations of buyer and seller

Both parties have obligations. The seller has a duty of disclosure. This means they are obligated to properly disclose all defects in the house to the potential buyer. The buyer has a duty of investigation. This means they must determine for themselves whether the condition of the house meets their expectations.

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