Buying off-plan without getting burned

Off-plan can be the cheapest way into a good address — or the most expensive lesson you will ever pay for. The difference is almost always due diligence.

Start with the title and the approvals. Confirm the developer owns the land outright, that change of user is approved, and that the architectural drawings on the brochure match the approved set.

Then look at the money: is there an escrow arrangement, who holds the deposit, and what happens to your funds if construction stalls?