Buying off-plan means reserving a new home before it is built, often months ahead of completion. It can secure you the widest choice of plots and today's price, but it needs careful timing.
Why buy off-plan?
You choose from the full range of plots, orientations and finishes, often at a price fixed at reservation. For popular developments, the best plots sell off-plan — getting in early is essential.
The process
- Reserve your plot — pay a reservation fee to take the plot off the market.
- Agreement in Principle — obtain a mortgage AIP so you are a credible buyer.
- Full mortgage application — timed so the offer is valid when the property is ready, typically 6–12 months later.
- Exchange and completion — exchange contracts, then complete on handover.
The risks
Build timelines can shift, and new build valuations can come in slightly below the purchase price. We mitigate both: we know which lenders are comfortable with new build valuations, and we time your application so the offer remains valid at handover, reviewing rates closer to completion if needed.
Developer incentives
Some lender incentives — paid deposits or stamp duty contributions — are restricted by certain lenders. We check which lenders accept the developer's package before you commit, so your incentives do not jeopardise the mortgage.
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