Off-plan buying can provide access to a new development before completion, but the decision depends on evidence—not a render. Review the developer, land, approvals, contract, funding plan and delivery controls as one connected risk assessment.
01
Verify the developer and project team
Search the developer at the Corporate Affairs Commission, identify the contracting entity and review completed projects. Ask who owns the land, who is building, which professionals are appointed and who controls buyer funds.
- Visit at least one completed project where possible and ask how defects were handled.
- Confirm that the company named in marketing is the company accepting contractual responsibility.
- Treat awards, social media reach and show apartments as marketing evidence—not substitutes for legal and technical verification.
02
Review the land and statutory approvals
Your independent lawyer should investigate the title chain, encumbrances, development rights and any relationship between the landowner and developer. Your technical adviser should review the approved plans, development permit and construction-control records relevant to the project.
- Match the marketed unit and use to the approved scheme.
- Check access, easements, infrastructure commitments and estate-wide obligations.
- Ask which approvals are already issued and which remain conditions to construction or occupation.
03
Interrogate the payment plan
A longer schedule is not automatically safer. Map each payment to a date or objectively measurable milestone, and assess what happens if construction is delayed. Confirm currency, taxes, service charges, infrastructure levies and any adjustment mechanism.
- Stress-test the plan against income changes and exchange-rate exposure.
- Ask whether early payments are refundable and in which circumstances.
- Do not rely on a salesperson’s summary where the contract says something different.
04
Make the contract describe the product
The agreement should identify the unit, floor, approximate size, parking, specification, common facilities, delivery framework and documents due at completion. It should also explain permitted variations, defects, assignment, default, dispute resolution and the consequences of delay.
- Attach the agreed specification and plans.
- Understand tolerance for area changes and substitutions.
- Have a lawyer acting for you—not the developer—review the documents before payment.
05
Monitor construction and prepare for handover
Request structured progress evidence and keep it with the transaction file. Near completion, arrange an independent snagging inspection and document defects. Confirm the process for possession, utilities, facility management, warranties and title perfection.
- Compare progress to the contractual programme, not only marketing updates.
- Do not waive unresolved material defects verbally.
- Budget for furnishing, connection charges, initial service charge and post-handover work.
Professional advice matters
This guide is general educational information, not legal, tax, valuation or investment advice. Requirements differ by state, property and transaction. Instruct independent qualified professionals before you commit funds or sign documents.