Buying a House Built Before 1990? Here’s What You Need to Know About Asbestos
Considering a home built before 1990? Whether you're buying your forever home, renovating an investment property, or house hunting in an older neighbourhood—there’s one hidden risk you should never ignore: asbestos.
At Confluence Environmental, we help home buyers across NSW make safe, informed decisions with pre-purchase asbestos inspections, testing, and expert advice. Here's what you need to know before you sign the contract.
Why Asbestos Is Common in Older Australian Homes
Until the late 1980s, asbestos was widely used in residential construction across Australia. It was durable, cheap, and fire-resistant—making it a popular choice for everything from walls and ceilings to roof sheeting and fences.
If the home you're buying was built or renovated before 1990, it could contain asbestos in areas like:
Wall and ceiling sheeting (commonly called fibro)
Bathroom linings and wet areas
Kitchen splashbacks and vinyl flooring
Roofs, eaves, fences, and garages
Underfloor tile adhesives and carpet underlays
Even if the house looks clean or has been updated cosmetically, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may still lie beneath the surface.
Why Asbestos Is a Risk for Home Buyers
Many buyers don’t discover asbestos until they begin renovations or minor repairs—by then, it’s too late. Drilling, cutting, or sanding ACMs can release dangerous airborne fibres that cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
You could be facing:
Unexpected renovation costs for removal and remediation
Delays or stop-work notices during renovations
Health and safety risks for your family, trades, or tenants
Reduced property value if the home has unresolved asbestos issues
What Is a Pre-Purchase Asbestos Inspection?
Just like a building and pest inspection, an asbestos inspection gives you peace of mind before settlement. At Confluence Environmental, we offer:
Visual inspection of suspect materials throughout the property
Safe sampling and lab testing through a NATA-accredited laboratory
Clear, easy-to-read report outlining asbestos findings and risk areas
Advice on next steps, including removal if needed
Who Should Book an Asbestos Inspection?
First home buyers purchasing older homes or fixer-uppers
Property investors planning to renovate or lease
Buyers in areas with fibro housing (e.g. Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter)
Anyone wanting clarity before committing to a major purchase
You don’t need to be worried—just informed. An inspection helps you negotiate confidently, plan ahead, or factor asbestos removal into your renovation budget.
Can You Still Buy a Home with Asbestos?
Absolutely. Thousands of homes in NSW still contain asbestos. With the right planning, management, and support, you can:
Renovate safely after removal
Avoid health risks
Maintain legal compliance
Protect the long-term value of your home
Confluence Environmental can even coordinate licensed asbestos removal prior to renovations, if needed.
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
Qualified asbestos assessors with experience in residential and investment properties
Fast turnaround on reports and lab results
Trusted across NSW, including Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter, Sydney, and regional areas
Fair pricing with no unnecessary upselling
End-to-end support, from testing to safe removal
Book a Pre-Purchase Asbestos Inspection Today
Don’t risk buying into a hidden hazard. With a quick, affordable asbestos inspection, you’ll have the confidence to move forward—whether it’s your first home or your next investment.
Contact Confluence Environmental to book your asbestos inspection
Central Coast | Newcastle | Hunter Valley | Sydney | Regional NSW
✔️ Fast Reports | ✔️ NATA Lab Testing | ✔️ Trusted & Local
FAQs
Q: Is asbestos a deal-breaker when buying a house?
A: Not necessarily. Asbestos is common in older homes and can be managed or removed safely—but knowing where it is helps you plan and negotiate.
Q: Can I get an asbestos inspection before settlement?
A: Yes. Pre-purchase asbestos inspections can usually be arranged within 1–2 days and delivered alongside your building and pest checks.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Our asbestos inspection and sampling services start from $499, including 2 free samples. Additional samples are tested for $90 each.
Q: Can you help with asbestos removal too?
A: Yes. We can connect you with licensed and experienced asbestos removal contractors for safe and compliant removal, if needed.