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Perth Swan Valley 549 people Built 1970s-90s

Building Inspections in Upper Swan, Perth

30 Defects indexed
520 In sample
549 Population

Stock profile · ABS 2021 Census

What’s here in Upper Swan

Separate houses
101.0%
Flats & apartments
1.5%

206 occupied private dwellings

Local profile · ABS 2021 Census

Who lives in Upper Swan

Median age
52yrs
0
Industry reports covering this area
30
Defects indexed in Upper Swan postcode
Postcode area
520
Inspections sampled in DefectIndex
A short history of Upper Swan

How Upper Swan
was built

Upper Swan, located at the Darling Scarp edge of the northern Swan Valley, has seen development across several eras. Our inspections reflect a balanced mix of properties built pre-1970, between 1970 and 2000, and from 2000 onward. This varied housing stock reflects the suburb's gradual growth and evolution within the broader Perth region.

Why buy in Upper Swan

What makes Upper Swan worth it

  • Location at the Darling Scarp Edge

    Upper Swan is situated at the Darling Scarp edge of the northern Swan Valley, offering a distinct natural environment. This location contributes to the unique character of properties in the 6069 postcode.

  • Varied Property Ages in Upper Swan

    Our inspection data for Upper Swan shows a balanced mix of properties from pre-1970, 1970-2000, and 2000-onward. This diverse housing stock means a range of architectural styles and construction methods are present across the suburb.

Top defects in Upper Swan

Five issues we find most.

From 520 SURE inspections in Upper Swan. Each defect is anonymous. No property is identified.

30 defect types indexed across 520 inspections

  1. 01
    26.3%
    of inspections
    Nail Popping in Hallway Ceiling
    Finishes Minor 158 cases
  2. 02
    52.1%
    of inspections
    Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack
    Finishes Cosmetic 272 cases
  3. 03
    53.8%
    of inspections
    Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling
    Soil & Foundation Moderate 280 cases Curated entry
  4. 04
    46.9%
    of inspections
  5. 05
    27.9%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Surface Water Drainage
    Drainage Moderate 151 cases Curated entry
  6. 06
    37.3%
    of inspections
    Timber in Contact with Ground
    Termite Moderate 225 cases Curated entry
  7. 07
    38.8%
    of inspections
    Mulch and Garden Beds Against House
    Termite Moderate 202 cases Curated entry
  8. 08
    72.5%
    of inspections
    External Wall Cracking Due to Settlement
    Structural Moderate 501 cases Curated entry
  9. 09
    24.4%
    of inspections
    Air Conditioner Overflow Not Diverted
    Plumbing Moderate 127 cases Curated entry
  10. 10
    26.2%
    of inspections
    Restricted Roof Void Access due to Insulation
    Structural Moderate 156 cases Curated entry
  11. 11
    24.4%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Slab Edge Exposure
    Soil & Foundation Moderate 127 cases
  12. 12
    16.9%
    of inspections
    Untested Smoke Alarms
    Fire Moderate 89 cases Curated entry
  13. 13
    35.0%
    of inspections
    Undrained Air Conditioner Overflow
    Drainage Moderate 184 cases Curated entry
  14. 14
    23.7%
    of inspections
    Disconnected Downpipes
    Drainage Moderate 123 cases
  15. 15
    22.1%
    of inspections
    Mulch and Garden Beds Close to House
    Drainage Moderate 115 cases
  16. 16
    30.0%
    of inspections
    External Door Paint Deterioration
    Finishes Cosmetic 158 cases
  17. 17
    17.5%
    of inspections
    Unsealed Plumbing/Drains through Slabs
    Termite Moderate 91 cases Curated entry
  18. 18
    22.3%
    of inspections
    Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation
    Structural Moderate 141 cases Curated entry
  19. 19
    21.0%
    of inspections
    Debris in Gutters
    Drainage Minor 109 cases Curated entry
  20. 20
    16.2%
    of inspections
    Porch Ceiling Lining Join Cracks
    Finishes Minor 84 cases
  21. 21
    21.2%
    of inspections
    Downpipes Not Connected to Storm Water
    Drainage Moderate 110 cases Curated entry
  22. 22
    18.5%
    of inspections
    Eave Lining Stains
    Roofing Minor 96 cases Curated entry
  23. 23
    18.5%
    of inspections
    Concealed Internal Wall Areas (Termite Risk)
    Termite Moderate 96 cases Curated entry
  24. 24
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Hot Water Overflow Not Sufficiently Drained
    Plumbing Moderate 87 cases Curated entry
  25. 25
    23.3%
    of inspections
    Fencing in Contact with Soil
    Termite Moderate 121 cases
  26. 26
    17.3%
    of inspections
  27. 27
    15.6%
    of inspections
    Excess Moisture in Walls Adjacent to Wet Areas
    Moisture Major 87 cases Curated entry
  28. 28
    19.6%
    of inspections
    Excessive Moisture Readings
    Moisture Major 102 cases Curated entry
  29. 29
    16.7%
    of inspections
    High Termite Risk Due to Environmental Surrounds
    Termite Moderate 87 cases Curated entry
  30. 30
    14.4%
    of inspections
    Cracked Roof Mortar
    Roofing Moderate 102 cases Curated entry

Common issues in Upper Swan

Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack External Wall Cracking due to Settlement Bedroom 2 Ceiling Nail Popping
What's included in an inspection here

Inspecting
Upper Swan homes

For properties in Upper Swan (postcode 6069), our inspections by Kim Steele cover the varied housing stock, which includes homes from pre-1970, 1970-2000, and 2000-onward. Based on a smaller indicative sample of 11 reports, we have noted common issues such as Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack, found in 36.4% of reports, and External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, also in 36.4% of reports. Bedroom 2 Ceiling Nail Popping was present in 27.3% of reports. We also consider the local geology of Bassendean Sand over Guildford Formation clay, which can influence property conditions.

DefectIndex

SURE has indexed 30 defects across 520 inspections in the Perth region. That data underlies every finding we report in Upper Swan.

Location

Upper Swan and surrounding suburbs

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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Tiles © CARTO

FAQs — Upper Swan inspections

Questions we hear about Upper Swan

What does Upper Swan's geology mean for properties?

Upper Swan sits on Bassendean Sand topsoil over Guildford Formation clay. This reactive clay sub-base, common in the Swan Valley, can contribute to issues like External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, which we have observed in 36.4% of our reports for the 6069 postcode. Our inspections assess how the ground conditions may affect the building's structure.

Are termites a concern in Upper Swan?

Given Upper Swan's location at the Darling Scarp edge with scarp-adjacent bushland, termite risk is a factor we consider. Our inspections specifically look for signs of termite activity and conditions conducive to infestations, such as 'Concealed Internal Wall Areas (Termite Risk)' noted in some reports. Kim Steele, our inspector for this area, is certified in timber pest management.

Who is the inspector for Upper Swan properties?

Kim Steele is our dedicated inspector for Upper Swan and the broader Perth northern and north-eastern corridor. Kim holds certifications including CPPHON4013 and CPPUPM3008, ensuring a thorough and professional assessment of your potential property. You will receive your detailed report from Kim within 24 hours of the inspection where access and availability allow.

What are the most common building defects found in Upper Swan?

Based on an indicative sample of 520 SURE inspections carried out in Upper Swan postcode area (6069), the most common defects we identify are: External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling, Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack, Slab Edge Concealed by Soil, Paving, or Raised Garden Beds, Timber in Contact with Ground.

Are termite or timber pest concerns common in Upper Swan?

Yes. Across 520 inspections in Upper Swan postcode area (6069), the most common timber-pest findings include Slab Edge Concealed by Soil, Paving, or Raised Garden Beds, Timber in Contact with Ground, Mulch and Garden Beds Against House. We recommend a timber-pest inspection alongside any pre-purchase building inspection here.

What structural issues are typical for homes in Upper Swan?

Common structural findings we record in Upper Swan postcode area (6069) include External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation. Each finding is reported alongside remedy recommendations and covered by 12 months free advice.

Is moisture a concern in Upper Swan homes?

Excessive Moisture Readings and Excess Moisture in Walls Adjacent to Wet Areas are among the moisture-related findings recorded across 520 inspections in Upper Swan postcode area (6069). Our inspectors use moisture-meter readings to quantify any issue they detect.

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9,237 inspections · 242,618 defects found · Inspector-owned franchises

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