Don't Sign Blind: Essential Tips for Inspecting Older Homes in Illawarra!

Joel Hynes
Jun 13
4 min read

Charming or Challenging? Know Before You Buy

There's something undeniably romantic about an older home in the Illawarra—high ceilings, sandstone chimneys, quirky floor plans, and maybe a front verandah just begging for a rocking chair. But with charm comes character-building surprises, and buying a property built before Wi-Fi was a thing can mean hidden costs under the floorboards. As a potential homebuyer with a keen eye for detail, you're well-equipped to navigate these potential challenges.

Whether it's a 1930s cottage in Thirroul or a fibro classic in Warrawong, inspecting older homes in the Illawarra takes a remarkable eye—and a strong flashlight.

Let's walk through the must-check items, sneaky red flags, and what makes older homes here worth the inspection—or a polite walk away.

1. Cracks, Slopes and the Great Illawarra Clay Mystery

The Illawarra's topography is a stunning mix of coastal cliffs and rolling hills—beautiful for views, tricky for soil stability.

What to watch for:

Cracks in walls and ceilings (especially around doors/windows)
Uneven or sloping floors
Doors that stick or swing open on their own (cue haunted house music)

These could be signs of subsoil movement, subsidence, or foundation issues—all of which can lead to hefty repair bills.

Pro tip: Bring a marble. Seriously. Roll it across the floor—if it takes off like a toddler on sugar, there's probably a slope issue.

2. Roofing: Charm on Top or Disaster Waiting to Happen?

Many older Illawarra homes feature:

Terracotta tiles (gorgeous but heavy)
Corrugated iron or Colorbond updates
Or, if you're unlucky, rusty tin with more holes than a colander

What to check:

Water stains on ceilings
Rust or moss buildup on roofing
Gutters that sag or overflow

Roof replacements start around $15,000. Don't assume "it looks fine" equals "it is fine."

3. Plumbing and Electrical: Is It… Ancient?

Some of Wollongong's older homes were built when people thought one power point per room was luxury, and lead pipes were a good idea.

Ask:

Has the property been rewired or replumbed?
Are the switchboards up to current code?
Is there asbestos around pipes, sheeting or old fuse boxes?

A licensed inspector can tell you if the wiring screams "retro chic" or "fire hazard."

4. Damp, Mould and the Great South Coast Humidity Battle

Wollongong gets humid. Combine that with homes built before waterproof membranes were a thing, and you've got… rising damp, musty smells, and hidden mould.

Inspect:

Inside wardrobes, especially built-ins on external walls
Bathroom tiles (check grout and under vanities)
Under-floor areas (if accessible)—damp = termite party

If it smells earthy and wet but it hasn't rained in days, trust your nose.

5. Asbestos: A Legacy You Don't Want to Inherit

Fibro homes were a post-war Aussie staple, and many Illawarra suburbs like Cringila, Berkeley, and East Corrimal are full of them.

Common asbestos spots:

Eaves and soffits
Wall linings and old bathrooms
Sheds and fences

Removing asbestos can cost thousands and must be done by licensed professionals. Don't DIY this one—seriously.

6. Heritage Listings and Council Rules

Some older homes in suburbs like Keiraville or Mount Kembla may be protected under heritage laws.

That means:

You can't demolish or do major renovations without approval.
You might be limited in what materials or colours you can use.
There may be grants or incentives, but red tape comes with it

Always check with Wollongong City Council before planning any changes, except for changing the curtains.

7. Pest Inspections: Because Termites Love Timber, Too

Old homes = lots of timber. And Wollongong = mild coastal climate. That's a welcome mat for termites.

Check for:

Soft spots in floorboards
Hollow-sounding timber
Mud tubes near the base of the walls

Book a proper pest inspection—it's non-negotiable.

8. Ventilation and Heating: Not Always Built for Comfort

You may fall in love with the vintage look, but older homes weren't exactly designed for Illawarra's modern weather swings.

Many lack insulation in walls or ceilings
Airflow might be poor (especially in 60s-era double-brick homes)
Fireplaces are cute… until your whole house feels like a fridge

Factor in upgrade costs for air con, insulation or modern heating.

9. What Makes These Homes Worth It?

Despite the extra inspections and potential reno budget, older homes offer:

Character and charm, you can't replicate in new builds.
Larger blocks, mature gardens and future development potential
Proximity to coastal suburbs, shops, and transport
Capital growth in gentrifying areas like Unanderra, Towradgi and Bellambi

They're often cheaper than newer equivalents, and with some TLC, can become serious capital gainers.

Conclusion: Inspect with Eyes Wide Open (and a Building Report)

Older homes in the Illawarra are a treasure trove of potential—but also a minefield if you're not careful. With the right approach, a licensed inspector, and a healthy reno buffer, these homes can be your best investment—or dream reno project.

Just remember: the prettiest picket fence might be hiding rotting stumps, rusty pipes or a family of termites. Go in smart, go in prepared, and you might snag a coastal classic that stands the test of time.