Make an appointment Call now
Make an appointment Call now

Duty to investigate: what should you do as a buyer?

When buying a house, two things are important: the legal and structural condition of the house. Failing to conduct a legal and structural inspection can have far-reaching consequences. Anyone who fails to comply with the inspection obligation cannot recover damages from the seller. Terminating the purchase agreement is therefore no longer possible. Conducting an inspection actually puts the buyer in a strong position.

What does the duty to investigate entail?

The inspection obligation has two aspects: the legal condition of the house and its structural condition. The buyer can inspect the legal condition of the house themselves, while a building inspector is hired to inspect the structural condition of the house.

Matters covered by the legal duty of investigation include:

  • Qualitative obligations (things that a homeowner must accept, such as cables running through the garden).
  • Easements, such as the 'right of way'.
  • A chain clause. This is the obligation to maintain something, such as the front garden.
  • Leasehold arrangement, where the buyer owns the house, but not the land.

The structural condition of the house is assessed by a building inspector. This inspector checks the walls, floors, ceilings, and the structure of the house in every room. The costs of any repairs are also reported.

Who has a duty to investigate?

Homebuyers have a duty of care. This is mandatory because a home is a significant purchase. This duty of care prevents buyers from entering into a purchase agreement with unrealistic expectations. When purchasing an older home, this duty of care is especially important. A structural survey is also often required for applying for a National Mortgage Guarantee.

Benefits of conducting research

Entering into a purchase agreement without conducting a legal and structural inspection can result in the purchase agreement becoming irrevocable if the buyer discovers defects or drawbacks to the property. The buyer will then have to pay the associated costs themselves. This can cause problems. Request a structural inspection by a certified building inspector from Homekeur BV. This will prevent any surprises and allow you to negotiate effectively.

Would you like to make an appointment for a building inspection?

The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!

Make an appointment

Recent articles

Een vrouw wijst naar een tablet die een man vasthoudt en een andere man kijkt mee
blog
13 February 2026
Hidden defects in a home
Hidden defects are not uncommon, especially in existing homes. They are often not immediately visible, but can have significant consequences for comfort, safety, and costs. This article explains how hidden defects are assessed and the role of investigation and inspection.
blazen plooien bitumen dak
video
13 February 2026
Common roof detail mistakes: what an inspection reveals
During roof inspections, problems often turn out to be not in the roofing itself, but in the details. In this practical case study, we demonstrate which installation errors are frequently encountered and why these, in particular, pose an increased risk of leaks and damage.
WhatsApp Image 2026-02-12 at 08.51.37
video
12 February 2026
Three Roof Eave Mistakes That Cause Leaks (And Are Often Overlooked)
Roof problems rarely arise suddenly. They usually start with a minor issue. In this inspection, we see how a torn lead flashing, improper installation, and a loose joint can all pose a serious risk. What should you look for—and how can you prevent them?

Back to list