What is Off-the-Plan?
Off-the-plan is buying a property before it's built — signing a contract and paying a deposit now, with settlement when construction completes (usually 12–24 months later). Common for new apartments and townhouses.
Why it matters for you
Main risks: valuation shortfalls at settlement (if market softens), construction delays, developer variations, and finance rules changing during the build period. Upsides: stamp duty savings in some states, depreciation benefits, and (ideally) capital growth between contract and settlement. Get pre-approval closer to settlement — not at contract.
Last updated: April 2026