Not at all Antiseptic. If there is that much wrong with the property, then it is quite possible that the neighbour doesn't know everything that is wrong with it. Nor would they likely know what species of termites are in the fence or even if they are still active or in the house. Professional advice is always advisable and building inspectors are quite adept at detecting defects. It would probably be best to tell the inspector so that a professional opinion could be given on particular defects.

You were a tenant of a business premises, fine. I would tell anyone who asked as well in that case. But you didn't have to live with whoever moves in next door. When it comes to advice on property, you get what you pay for. And finally, even if you did point out all the flaws in the property and the they still bought, you are just setting yourself up as the busybody that knows everything that goes on with the neighbours property. You open yourself up to all sorts of perceptions and accusations like if it doesn't sell, it's because you actively discouraged buyers etc.

Telling them to get professional advice is not gutless.

Bugsy, if anyone buying a home doesn't seek a qualified opinion, they're mad. Having said that, if they ask, I feel one is beholden ethically to tell what one knows. The fact that they may be your new neighbours is a pretty good reason to get off on the right foot, even if you don't see the ethics in that position. Hiding behind the inspector, who is quite likely to miss things if the property is superficially sound, is ethically bereft, at least in my view.

Dear Antiseptic,

It's common practice to engage professional building
inspectors to assess a property before purchase and it
is frequently recommended by the Real Estate Agents to do
so, as we've experienced only a few days ago when we were
viewing a property. It would be mean and vindictive to
interfere with the sale of the property beyond normal
acceptable practice (i.e. building inspectors).

Building inspectors are registered, licensed, practitioners,
and they know what to look for. Every major city in every
state has that service. If there is a problem in your
neighbourhood - you don't ask your neighbours, you call the
police - whose job it is to take care of problems.

The fact is we agree antiseptic, seeking a qualified opinion is paramount. But the thing is, when you buy a car you don't ask the neighbour. You get a mechanic to check it out. The cost to fix identified flaws in a property are often used to negotiate the price. Would you tell what it might cost to fix these flaws? No. Who are these people that ask the neighbours directly if there is anything wrong with the place?

And if a notice is going to be served, this should show up on council searches. Advice during a chat along the lines of "I'd get a professional opinion on the building and pest if I were you, tell the inspector to especially check the pool and for possible subsidence" is not "hiding behind a professional", in fact it is the most ethical thing to do under the circumstances.

If I was looking to buy a property, and had a chat with a neighbour who suggested that I get a professional property inspection, I'd undoubtedly twig that the neighbour knew something was amiss. I'd then probably have a much closer look at the property myself, and if still interested I'd pay for a professional property inspection.

Anything that showed up would undoubtedly be very useful in negotiating a lower price.

Foxy,
He knows so much because of the following.

The pool leaks into his property.
The trees shade out his clothes line aid he has had pest controller into his house and they pointed to the fences.
He has recently replaced the fence and retaining wall. And the woman conned the workman to pour poison into a tree trunk on her property which he witnessed.
She has complained to him that subsidence was due to 'his' retaining wall said is rubbish telling him he had to fix the damage. He had to hire an engineer to inspect she refused access but he was able to see that the damage had noting to do with him.
She had let a leaking tap undermine the concrete path for 6 months ignoring his requests as it was watering his garden and running into his lawn
The pool overflow goes into his bush care area and he sees the environmental damage. The plumber has told him this is because the previous owner illegally plumbed it that way.
The lack of maintenance is obvious in that only now her 'son'("devil spawn")cleaned the gutters. First time in ten years. They always overflow into his back yard. Like me eAnt has issues with neighbours because they see his bush activities and impinging on their 'rights' Lifestyle (to abuse the law and the special reserve at the back).(including state protected wet lands).
He simply doesn't want any more fuss hence he hasn't gone to the council about the problems.
Like I said he's got an awful neighbour. :-(