An off-plan buyer pays today for property that may not yet fully exist. Protection depends on developer title, lawful project status, staged payment, meaningful delay remedies and the mechanism for registering ownership.
Developer, land and finance
Obtain developer records, owners, authority and lawful indicators of disputes. Check who owns the land, whether it is mortgaged and how your unit will be released. If another company sells the project, establish its authority and which entity is responsible for construction and refunds.
Permit, design and unit identification
Attach building, floor, unit, plan, area method, balcony, parking, finish and common areas. Verify construction permission and project stage. A broad developer right to change unit, plan or floor directly affects buyer value.
Payment milestones and price changes
Tie payments to objectively evidenced construction milestones, not calendar dates alone. Define currency, exchange rate, tax, price impact of area variation and late-payment consequences. A large unsecured advance transfers developer credit risk to the buyer.
Delivery, defects and delay
Distinguish construction completion, commissioning, physical handover and title registration. Provide a defect record, cure period, independent inspection and retention. Delay damages should be meaningful, but prolonged delay also needs termination and refund mechanics.
Title registration and insolvency
The agreement should state when and by which instrument your right is registered, who releases the mortgage and what happens if the developer ceases business. A preliminary agreement does not always give title to a completed unit. Assess registrable protection, bank guarantee, escrow or another available mechanism.
Important noteThis material is general information, not personalised legal advice. Recheck current law, official practice, fees and deadlines against your facts before acting.