Buying Off-Plan: What Should You Actually Look For?

Buying off-plan means committing to a home before it is finished. Done well, it can mean choosing your residence early and paying in stages as it is built. Here is the information we believe every buyer should ask for — from us or from anyone else.

1. The development stage — and evidence of it

Ask exactly what stage construction has reached, and when that was last confirmed. Look for dated photographs, not just renders. On our project pages, every image says whether it is a visualisation or a photograph, and when the photograph was taken.

2. Title and approvals

Ask what title the land holds and what approvals are in place or still pending. Crescent, for example, holds Governor’s Consent. For earlier-stage projects, understand what remains to be approved before construction.

3. The residence itself

Ask for the floor plan and the room areas of the specific residence type — not only a total. Check that living spaces, bedrooms and kitchens are sized for how you actually live.

4. The payment schedule

Understand how much is due now, what triggers each later payment and the total you will pay. A lower first payment can come with a higher total, so compare both. Our Purchase Planner shows every payment for each residence and route.

5. Financing conditions

If part of the price will be financed, find out who provides the finance, what their eligibility and assessment involve, and what happens if approval is not granted. At Crescent, the finance-at-completion route uses an MREIF mortgage for the balance at completion; it is subject to eligibility, credit assessment, valuation and the lender’s terms, and the balance remains payable.

6. The developer’s track record and communication

Ask how you will be kept informed during construction and who you will deal with. Clear, dated updates are a good sign.

If you would like the current information for either EICL development, send us an enquiry and our team will walk you through it.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always review the purchase agreement, and take independent advice where appropriate.