Who Pays for a Home Inspection? Buyer vs Seller Explained

Home inspections are a standard part of most real estate transactions — but many buyers and sellers are unsure who actually pays for them. In most cases, the buyer pays, but there are important exceptions and negotiation scenarios to understand.

💡 Quick Answer

In a typical real estate transaction, the buyer pays for the home inspection. The inspection protects the buyer’s interests, so the cost is usually treated as a buyer expense.

However, sellers may indirectly pay for inspection-related costs through credits, repairs, or negotiated concessions.

Why Buyers Usually Pay for the Home Inspection

A home inspection is performed for the buyer’s benefit. It helps the buyer evaluate the property’s condition before moving forward with the purchase.

  • The buyer chooses and hires the inspector
  • The inspection report belongs to the buyer
  • The inspection supports the buyer’s due diligence
  • The buyer may cancel or renegotiate based on results

This process is closely tied to the inspection contingency, which allows buyers time to inspect the property before fully committing.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

Home inspection costs vary by location, property size, and inspection scope, but most fall within a common range.

  • Single-family homes: $300–$600
  • Larger or older homes: $600–$1,000+
  • Specialty inspections (sewer, mold, roof): additional cost

These fees are typically paid upfront by the buyer and are not refundable, even if the deal falls apart.

When Sellers May Pay for Inspection-Related Costs

While sellers rarely pay for the inspection itself, they often cover costs that arise from inspection findings.

  • Paying for agreed-upon repairs
  • Offering a seller credit at closing
  • Reducing the purchase price

These options are commonly negotiated after the buyer submits an inspection repair request. Learn more about credits vs. repairs after a home inspection.

Do Sellers Ever Pay for a Pre-Listing Inspection?

Yes. In some cases, sellers order a home inspection before listing the property.

A seller-paid pre-inspection can:

  • Identify issues before listing
  • Reduce surprise repair negotiations
  • Support pricing and disclosure decisions

However, this is optional and less common than buyer-ordered inspections.

Who Pays for the Inspection in an As-Is Sale?

Even in an as-is sale, the buyer typically pays for the home inspection.

The key difference is that:

  • The seller is not obligated to make repairs
  • The buyer inspects mainly for risk assessment
  • The buyer may still cancel if allowed by contract

As-is does not eliminate disclosure obligations or the inspection contingency unless explicitly waived.

What Happens After the Home Inspection?

After the inspection, buyers typically choose one of three paths:

  • Move forward without changes
  • Request repairs or credits
  • Cancel the contract (if allowed)

This process is governed by the inspection contingency and the inspection repair request clause. See:

📌 Summary

  • Buyers usually pay for the home inspection
  • Sellers often pay for repairs or credits after inspection
  • Inspection costs are separate from closing costs
  • Terms depend on the inspection contingency and negotiations

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