Pre-Purchase & Pre-Lease Food Business Inspection
Buying or leasing an existing food business? Non-compliant equipment, layout issues and poor practices are often quietly passed on to the new operator during handover, and you don't want to inherit someone else's problems. We assess both the premises (equipment, cold storage, fit-out) and how the business is actually run (staff practices, food handling, cleaning procedures) against current standards, so you know exactly what you are taking on before you sign.
Free consultation
- Typically 2-5 business days from site visit to written report
- From $650 + GST
- Quoted fixed after a free scope check
Know what you're taking on before you sign
Buying or leasing an existing food business? Non-compliant equipment, layout issues and poor practices are often quietly passed on to the new operator during handover, and you don't want to inherit someone else's problems.
What we assess
The premises - equipment, cold storage, fit-out condition - and how the business is actually run - staff practices, food handling, cleaning procedures - against current standards, so you know exactly what you are taking on before you sign.
How it works
Scope the inspection
Same day
Tell us the business, the premises, and your settlement or lease start date.
Site visit
1-2 days
On-site assessment of the premises and, where possible, observation of how it currently operates.
Written report
2-5 business days total
What you are taking on, ranked by what affects your decision to proceed or your negotiating position.
Follow-up advice
As needed
A call to walk through what to renegotiate or fix before you commit.
What we take off your hands
What EHUP handles
- Assessing the premises - equipment, cold storage, fit-out condition
- Assessing how the business is actually run - staff practices, food handling, cleaning procedures
- Checking both against current Food Standards Code requirements, not the standards at approval
- A written list of what you would be taking on, before you sign
- Advice on what to renegotiate or fix before settlement or lease start
What you don't have to deal with
- Inheriting a previous operator's non-compliant equipment or poor practices
- Signing before you know what condition the kitchen and food areas are actually in
Frequently asked questions
I am buying an existing cafe or restaurant - what am I actually inheriting?
More than you might think. Non-compliant equipment, layout issues and poor practices are often quietly passed on to the new operator during handover. We assess both the premises itself and how the business is actually run against current standards, so you know exactly what you are taking on before you sign.
Does the current operator's approval transfer to me?
A planning approval generally runs with the land, but food business notification and compliance obligations are yours as the new operator from day one - inherited non-compliance becomes your problem immediately, not the previous operator's.
Can this be done before my cooling-off period ends?
Usually yes - tell us your settlement or lease deadline at the first call and we will confirm the timeline works before you engage us.
What if the inspection finds problems?
You get a prioritised list of what needs fixing and roughly what it will cost, which you can use to renegotiate price or lease terms, or to plan the work before you open.
Related services
Food Premises Inspection
Opening, buying, or upgrading a food business? Our food safety consultants help you identify risks and compliance requirements before you commit - saving you time, money, and unnecessary delays.
Food and Drink Premises
Food and drink premises - cafes, restaurants and takeaway food shops - sit under two separate obligations that operators often assume are one process.
Change of Use
A change of use application is needed when the building stays the same but what happens inside it changes - retail to cafe, warehouse to gym, office to medical suite.
Why clients choose EHUP
- 10+
- 250+
- 14
- 1
Not sure which approval you need?
Tell us the address and what you want to do. We'll help identify the appropriate planning pathway, whether it is exempt development, complying development or a full DA. Your first conversation is free.