Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware All property sales in Queensland are based upon the principle of buyer beware. It is the responsibility of the buyer to thoroughly investigate the property themselves rather than rely on information provided to them by the seller. Buying a property for the first time is perhaps one of the biggest financial decision you will make in your lifetime, which is why it is important to investigate the property as comprehensively as possible. As many properties have improvements made to them over the years (built after the original structure was constructed) such as carports, pools, sheds, decks and other renovations, it is important to determine whether these additions have council approval. If council approval has not been obtained, you (as the buyer) will become liable for the costs of any rectification required to make the additions compliant with council regulations.