Asbestos isn’t rare, it’s found in a whole lot of Aussie homes, especially anything built before the ’90s. So if you’re looking at an older place, chances are, it’s in there somewhere.
That said, don’t hit the panic button just yet. Asbestos in a home doesn’t mean you need to walk away from your dream property. It just means you need to go in with eyes open.
Whether you’re buying or selling, the smart move is getting it checked out. A licensed asbestos inspector can tell you exactly what you’re dealing with. From there, it’s about having a plan. Know the risks. Know the rules. And get the right people on your side.
Handled right, it’s manageable. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Asbestos, and where is it found in homes?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was added to building materials to improve strength, fire resistance, and insulation. In residential settings, asbestos is often found in:
- Cement sheeting (walls and ceilings)
- Eaves and soffits
- Roof shingles and tiles
- External cladding, including asbestos siding
- Fencing panels
Homes built before 1990 are most likely to contain asbestos in some form. Even if you can’t see it, no crumbling panels, no obvious warning signs, it’s likely still there. Back then, it was used in everything. It was cheap, tough, and no one thought twice.
But then, it was found out to be toxic. Not just risky, really dangerous. By then, it was already in millions of homes.
Buying a house with Asbestos: what you should know
If you’re buying a house with asbestos, don’t panic. Many homes across WA contain asbestos, and most can still be lived in or renovated safely. The key is to understand the condition and location of the material.
Health and safety risks
Asbestos becomes dangerous when disturbed. If fibres are released and inhaled, they can lead to serious illnesses over time. That’s why identifying and managing asbestos early matters.
When to get an Asbestos inspection
Before you buy, especially if the home was built before 1990, it’s a good idea to organise a professional asbestos inspection. This gives you a clear picture of where asbestos is located, whether it’s damaged, and what it will take to manage or remove it.
Potential costs of removal or encapsulation
Depending on the amount and condition of the asbestos, removal costs in WA can vary. In some cases, materials in good condition may not need to be removed immediately. They can be sealed or encapsulated to prevent fibre release. An inspection will help clarify what’s needed and when.
Suspect you have asbestos at your property? Get an asbestos removal quote today.
Selling a property with Asbestos: legal obligations
Selling a home that contains asbestos is legal, but there are rules around disclosure.
Disclosure laws in WA
In Western Australia, sellers must disclose known hazards or defects, this includes known asbestos materials. If you’re aware that asbestos is present, it must be included in the seller’s disclosure statement.
Why you should have an Asbestos report
Even if you’re not required by law to test for asbestos before selling, having a report ready builds trust with buyers. It shows you’re proactive, transparent, and serious about safety.
Consider removal before listing
If the asbestos is in poor condition or likely to impact the sale, getting it removed ahead of time can be a smart move. It can increase buyer confidence, reduce negotiation delays, and lead to a cleaner sale process.
What role does a licensed Asbestos Removalist play?
Licensed asbestos removalists do more than just take materials away. They:
- Carry out thorough inspections to locate and assess asbestos on-site
- Take samples safely and arrange certified lab testing for confirmation
- Provide detailed reports with clear, practical advice on the next steps
- Safely remove and dispose of asbestos, following all Australian regulations
At Rapid Asbestos Removals, we work with both buyers and sellers to make sure everything is handled properly. We take care of compliance, safety, and paperwork so you can focus on the property, not the problem.
At Rapid Asbestos Removals, we guide you through the whole process from start to finish, so you’re never left guessing.
Require asbestos removal? Get a quote today.
Can a house with Asbestos still be a good investment?
Yes, it can. Many homes with asbestos remain solid investments, especially when the material is in stable condition and the location holds long-term appeal. Asbestos is common in older properties, and in many cases, it can be managed safely without affecting the way the home is used or enjoyed.
Plus, with a clear asbestos report and support from licensed professionals, you can plan for removal or encapsulation on your terms, without pressure or guesswork.
Before you make a decision, weigh the likely removal or management costs against the property’s long-term value. Often, a modest upfront spend to address safety concerns brings lasting peace of mind and can help protect or even increase resale value down the line.
Get advice before you buy or sell
If you’re buying a house with asbestos siding or preparing to list one, it’s worth getting expert advice early. At Rapid Asbestos Removals, we help Perth homeowners stay safe and compliant with asbestos regulations.
Contact us today for advice, we’re here to help.
FAQs about buying and selling a property with Asbestos
Asbestos is removed safely by licensed professionals who follow strict guidelines. This includes sealing off the area, wearing protective equipment, carefully removing non-friable asbestos sheets intact, and disposing of all asbestos waste at licensed facilities. Air monitoring and site clean-up are also part of the process to ensure no fibres remain.
The cost of asbestos removal depends on the size and complexity of the job. For non-friable asbestos, you can expect to pay around $50 per square metre. Minimum call-out fees may apply, and additional services like testing or air monitoring may increase the total cost. For an accurate quote, contact a licensed removalist like Rapid Asbestos.
In Western Australia, homeowners may be allowed to remove up to 10m² of non-friable asbestos without a licence, but strict safety precautions must be followed. However, DIY removal is risky and strongly discouraged. For safe, legal, and compliant ACM removal, it’s best to hire a licensed asbestos removal company.
To get rid of asbestos legally, you must have it removed by a licensed asbestos professional and disposed of at an authorised waste facility. It is illegal and dangerous to dispose of asbestos in general rubbish bins or skips. Rapid Asbestos takes care of the entire process, from removal to compliant disposal.
