Opportunity Knocks

What does buying off-plan entail?

In a nutshell, it means agreeing to buy a property when it is still under construction, based on the building plans and drawings of the future property. As such, until the property is finished and duly licensed, its not possible to complete the purchase.

Why is this such a popular way to invest at the moment?
Buying off-plan is becoming an increasingly popular option, due to the shortage of ready-to-move in real estate. The advantages are numerous, but this type of investment also entails higher risks which prospective buyers must be aware of before committing to the purchase.

What are the main advantages?

The opportunity of having a brand-new property, built according to the latest spec and with the most recent materials available in the construction market, combined with the possibility of monitoring the construction process and customising the finish of the property. Also, committing to a property purchase at such an early stage, can often mean a discounted price and potential yield appreciation during the construction cycle, with the possibility of selling at a profit on completion.

Talk us through the buying process

The buying party will normally undertake to buy a future asset and the developer/seller undertake to sell it, once construction is finished and the property is duly licensed. A promissory agreement of purchase and sale is then signed, under which both parties agree the payment terms and set a prospective timeline for construction and completion. Unlike the process with built property, off-plan promissory agreements rarely have completion dates set in stone due to the uncertainty surrounding the construction time-line.