Section 137B Report
for Owner Builders

A Section 137B Report in Victoria is a mandatory defects inspection report for owner-built properties being sold within 6 years and 6 months of completion.

Any owner builder in Victoria selling a home within 6 years and 6 months of completing the building work must provide a Section 137B report. It applies to the building work no matter what it cost, so even minor work such as replacing a stump or retiling a bathroom floor is covered. The dollar threshold people often hear about belongs to the separate insurance requirement, not to this report.

The report aims to provide assurance that the construction work has been completed in compliance with relevant building regulations and standards.

The Section 137B Owner Builder Report is specific to Victoria, Australia. Building regulations differ by location.

The report incorporates detailed information about the building work carried out, showcasing that it aligns with all necessary safety regulations.

Non-compliance can lead to potential legal complications, including hefty fines, demands for remedial work, or demolitions.

The report is obtained when you sell, not when you finish the work. It must be no more than 6 months old at the time of sale, so arrange the inspection shortly before you list the property.

It provides assurance to future owners and tenants that the construction work has been done following required guidelines and standards.

No. The report is required for owner builder work of any value. Value matters only for the separate insurance obligation: owner builder work above the statutory threshold, which was $16,000 and rose to $20,000 on 1 July 2026, must also be covered under the statutory insurance scheme. That threshold is worked out on the cost of labour and materials including GST.

The rules and standards are outlined in the building regulations and codes applicable in Victoria, Australia via the VBA website.

The requirement for the report is enforced by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

The report is required for owner builder work of any value when you sell within 6 years and 6 months of completion. There is no minimum dollar value that exempts you. For specific cases, consult the Victorian Building Authority or your legal adviser.

No. Section 137B requires the report to be prepared by a prescribed building practitioner, which means a registered building inspector, building surveyor or engineer, or an architect registered under the Architects Act 1991. An owner builder cannot prepare their own report, and registered builders are not authorised to prepare one either.

Non-compliance can result in unsafe living conditions, legal repercussions, fines, and may affect the value and insurability of the property.

Consult with licensed building inspectors or surveyors familiar with local building codes and standards to ensure compliance.

The cost depends on the size of the property and the scope of building work completed. We provide tailored quotes based on your specific requirements. Contact us for a free quote.

The inspection typically takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of the property and the extent of the building work. Larger properties or those with extensive construction may take longer to thoroughly assess.

If you are selling within 6 years and 6 months of completing the building work, a Section 137B report is legally required regardless of what the work cost. Selling without one can expose you to legal action from the buyer and penalties from the Victorian Building Authority.

Any construction, renovation or extension work carried out under an owner builder permit in Victoria requires this report, whatever it cost. That covers new builds, additions, structural renovations and major alterations, and equally small jobs such as replacing a single stump, a footing, or retiling a bathroom floor.

We deliver the completed Section 137B report within 5 to 7 business days after the inspection. The report includes detailed findings, photographic evidence, and compliance assessments ready for inclusion in your property sale documentation.