GENERAL INFORMATION:
The information provided in the property description, prospectus, and other informational materials is mainly based on information provided by the seller. Some essential information is also gathered from the land registry. The real estate agent only verifies this information if circumstances require it. Buyers/prospective buyers are encouraged to verify this information as well as anything else that is relevant to the purchase of the property.

DUTY TO INSPECT, ETC:
Starting point for the distribution of responsibility;
According to the Land Code, the property must correspond to what has been agreed between the parties and not deviate from what the buyer could reasonably expect at the time of purchase. Furthermore, it must be bought in the condition it is actually in on the contract date, and the buyer, to protect themselves, should conduct a thorough inspection of the property. The seller is not liable for defects or damages that the buyer could have discovered or anticipated due to the age and condition of the property. However, the seller is responsible for hidden defects, meaning defects in the property that the buyer could not have discovered, regardless of whether the seller knew about them or not. The seller's liability for hidden defects in the property lasts for 10 years.

Buyer's duty to inspect:
The starting point is that the buyer must inspect the property, which is usually called the buyer's duty to inspect. The requirements for the buyer's inspection are extensive. The property must be inspected in all its parts and functions. If possible, the buyer should also inspect attic spaces, crawl spaces, and other inaccessible areas. Special attention should be paid to moisture damage (especially in the basement and attic), rot damage, damage to water and sewer systems, cracks in the facade and foundation, and chimney stacks. If the buyer discovers defects or signs of defects during their inspection or if the property is in a condition that suggests defects, the requirements for the buyer's duty to inspect become stricter. The information provided by the seller also affects the extent of the duty to inspect. For example, if the seller informs the buyer about a suspected defect, it should prompt a more thorough inspection from the buyer's side. On the other hand, the buyer should not inspect parts of the property for which the seller has provided explicit assurances or warranties unless these are general.

Engaging a surveyor:
The Land Code assumes that the buyer should be able to fulfill their basic duty to inspect themselves and therefore, it is not a requirement to engage an expert for this purpose. However, most buyers choose to hire a surveyor or other expert, especially if they do not have specific building technical knowledge. The same applies if the buyer has initially inspected the property themselves and discovered signs of defects that are difficult to assess. As mentioned above, the buyer should inspect the property in all its parts and functions. Therefore, if the buyer engages an expert, it is important to note the scope of the inspection. Normally, such an inspection does not cover certain parts of the property, such as electrical installations, water and sewer systems, chimneys, etc., so the buyer should consider supplementing their inspection.

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