In September 2024, thousands of people got in line, slept out, and popped up their camping chairs as they waited patiently to get their hands on the latest iPhone release.
They hadn’t held it. They hadn’t tested it. They didn’t even know all of its features. But they’d seen the keynote, read the specs, and trusted the team behind it. Not just because of marketing hype — but because they knew what had come before, and they believed in what was coming next.
Buying off the plan works in a similar way. You’re not walking through the finished product, seeing and feeling the finishes, physically measuring the built ins.
Instead, you’re looking at the vision, the credentials, the location — and deciding whether the track record and the promised outcome stack up.
And when it does? That early commitment can give you a real edge.
You’re not buying what’s built. You’re buying what’s next.
Off-the-plan buying isn’t about taking a punt — it’s about being early, informed, and prepared.
One of the biggest benefits? Choice. Before completion, before the best floorplans are gone, you get the chance to choose what really suits you: the corner apartment with extra light, the level that lines up with your lifestyle, the layout that really works for how you live. Once the project gets close to completion, those tend to disappear fast, if they aren’t gone already.
You’re also buying time. Most off-the-plan projects take 12–24 months to complete, which gives you a clear runway — time to plan your move, time to sell your current place, time to make decisions on your terms. And all while locking in today’s price, not next year’s.
Experienced buyers do three things differently
We’ve worked with a lot of buyers over the years, and the ones who get the most out of off-the-plan purchases aren’t just the earliest — they’re the sharpest. Here’s what they look for:
- They focus on the people behind the project.
You’re not just buying a floorplan — you’re buying from a builder and developer. And their track record matters. What have they delivered before? Did they meet expectations? Were the finishes and materials true to the promise? This is the part that elevates your purchase to a good investment. - They ask how the space will feel.
It’s easy to be swept up in renders. But the right buyers go deeper. How’s the natural light? Is the layout functional, or just pretty? Are there places for real furniture — not just display suite decor? They think about flow, noise, storage, privacy. They ask: Would I love living here, every day? - They understand timing — not just dates.
Off-the-plan buyers understand the rhythm of a build: when deposits are due, how construction is phased, when valuations and finance come into play. This lets them line everything up calmly and confidently — and avoid last-minute scrambles. If this is your first time purchasing off-the-plan, ask so you are clear, your agent will be happy to help!
A few things to consider (without second-guessing yourself)
If you’re exploring off-the-plan, here are a few extra factors worth understanding:
Strata and inclusions: What’s covered in your fees, and what’s included in your home from day one? Sometimes early buyers access better inclusions.
Long-term appeal: Is the development well-located? Is it near infrastructure that adds value over time — parks, schools, transport, future upgrades?
Finance process: You’ll pay your deposit upfront, but your formal loan usually comes closer to settlement. We’ll guide you through the steps to stay on track.
This isn’t about being cautious. It’s about being considered. The best off-the-plan buyers don’t rush or overanalyse — they prepare, then move when it’s right. Like buyers of the latest iphone, they do it with enthusiasm, with information and with confidence.
Want to see what’s coming before the market crowds in?
We’ll walk you through the plans, the team behind the build, and the path forward — so you can decide, with clarity, if it’s your next move.
