- Off-plan means you pay before the building exists, so you carry the risk of a delay or a failed project.
- Verify the land title, approvals and the developer's track record before paying.
- Pay only into a company account and make sure your contract states dates and refund terms.
The Short Answer
Off-plan means you buy a property before it is built, often at a lower price and with payment instalments. The risk is that you pay for something that may be late, different from what was promised or never completed. Many developers are honest, but you must verify before you pay. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Why Off-Plan Looks Attractive
Lower starting prices, flexible payment plans and the chance to choose a unit early appeal to many buyers. Marketing photos and computer-made images can make a project look finished when only a signboard exists. Be careful when the sales pitch uses pressure, such as “only two units left.”
Checks Before You Pay
| Check | How |
|---|---|
| Land title | Have your lawyer verify the developer's right to the land at the registry. See our land document guide |
| Approvals | Ask for the building permit and approved plans, and confirm them with the relevant government office |
| Developer track record | Visit past projects, speak to buyers and search for complaints |
| Company details | Confirm the company is registered and who its directors are |
| Site progress | Visit the site, take dated photos and compare with the schedule |
Read the Contract Carefully
Have your lawyer review it. It should name the parties, describe the exact unit, state the price and payment schedule, give a completion date, explain what happens if the developer is late and say how and when you get a refund. Do not accept promises that are not in writing.
Pay Safely
Pay only into the company's official bank account, never to an individual or a personal account. Make sure every payment has a receipt that states what it is for. Where possible, link payments to construction stages rather than paying everything at the start.
Red Flags
Walk away or slow down if the developer cannot show the title or approvals, asks you to pay cash, refuses a contract review, offers a price far below the market, guarantees unusually high returns or pressures you to pay quickly. Be careful of schemes that rely on investors bringing in more investors.
After You Buy
Keep every document, track construction progress and write to the developer if deadlines slip. If you plan to rent the unit later, see our guide to evaluating a rental property before you assume the income.
Action Checklist
- Verify the developer's title to the land
- Ask for and confirm building approvals
- Visit completed projects and speak to past buyers
- Have a lawyer review the contract and refund terms
- Pay only to the company account and keep receipts
- Visit the site and record progress with dated photos
- Walk away if you feel pressured or documents are missing
