search

How using a Buyers Agent can help you avoid the pitfalls of buying off the plan

Buying off the plan has become an appealing and realistic option for Australians looking to buy their first home. For many it’s the promise of a newly built home. Others like the fact that these houses are in newly-developed areas with plenty of potential for growth. It sounds too good to be true. Sometimes it is. 

Many things can go wrong when you decide to buy off the plan. What you’re promised in the 3d-rendered imagery isn’t always what you get. There’s also been many horror stories associated with off the plan properties. Some never get finished when property developers fold. Other houses simply don’t get built to the high standards that they should be.

Shocked homeowners have been appalled when they realise they’re new houses lack some of the basics. You may have seen these houses featured on news stories. Some end up having rooms with doors that don’t have enough space to open. Then there’s houses made with the cheapest and most unreliable materials available on the market. 

What to look out for

While the cost of your off the plan property may seem cheap. Don’t be too confident about the costs involved. This property type has a habit of revealing it’s true costs after you’ve already signed on the dotted line. Here are just some of the pitfalls to watch out for:

Owners corporation fees

The developer may create an Owners Corporation for your property and surrounding ones built at the same time. This locks you into a long term contract that requires paying exorbitant fees to help manage the complex. 

A slow rise in value

If you’re looking to turn your off the plan property into an investment property there’s a few things you need to consider. Apartments bought off the plan can take up to a staggering 7 years to reach the value of their original purchase price. So you may not be able to increase rent or make a profit out of selling it until at least ten years. 

Low rental return

It’s common for an off the plan property to be built at the same time as others that surround it. The downside is that all of these properties tend to be similar. When you’re looking to rent this property you’ll discover it’s hard to raise the rent because so many other properties around it may stay at the same low rental rate.

Getting locked into an imbedded network

Your developer may end up making your property part of an imbedded network. This may force your property and the ones around it to be locked in with the same utility suppliers. So your property could end up being stuck with higher than average utility costs. This setup also sees the developer receiving the difference between what the average household would pay and what you pay the utility supplier. 

How a Buyer’s Agent can help

We’re not saying all off the plan properties are bad options. We just wanted to point out the bad things that can happen when builders don’t deliver what’s promised in their marketing campaigns. But there are plenty of ways to safeguard yourself from the pitfalls of buying off the plan. One of the best ways to protect yourself is using the professional services of a Buyer’s Agent. 

A Buyer’s Agent can help you find the perfect off the plan property. Are you looking for short or long term returns for your new property? A Buyer’s Agent can factor in all of your preferences like this. Another advantage is that a Buyer’s Agent can help you identify unique property options from a collection of new off the plan houses. It’s often the more unique properties that can increase in value before the others around it do.

So before you consider buying off the plan, think about talking to the experts. Property professionals like Buyer’s Agents are usually experts in their chosen suburbs. They know how to identify a bargain and find properties that perfectly match your preferences. 

Ready to buy off the plan? Learn more about the process by visiting wiserealestateadvice.com

Stone in Architecture: 10 Must-Know Projects In India

Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]

Read More

5 Ways Arcadium’s Furniture Library Can Elevate Your Interior Room Design Process

If you’ve ever struggled to visualize how a new sectional or bookshelf will look before you click “Buy,” you’ll appreciate the power of a free room design tool that lets you drop, resize, and style real-world furniture in seconds. Arcadium 3D—an online, browser-based design platform—pairs professional-grade 3-D modeling with an expanding catalog of parametric furniture, […]

Read More

20 Balcony Decor Ideas To Make Your Space Interesting

Balcony decor ideas are a trend nowadays, as people have increasingly started living in apartments. These tiny spaces of the house have a larger importance in the day-to-day life of a person who lives on the upper floors of the apartments. Thus, balcony decor ideas must be very subjective to the people living in the […]

Read More

Retrofitting Historic Homes: Modern HVAC & Plumbing Without Losing Character

The United States has over 5.6 million buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and countless more heritage properties await thoughtful renovation. According to the EPA’s guidelines for older homes, many architectural treasures harbor aging mechanical systems that compromise comfort and efficiency. Look, anybody who’s worked on an old house knows the dilemma: these […]

Read More

Modern Staircase Design for Home: 25 Transformative Ideas

Staircase design for home plays a key role in shaping both function and style in interior architecture. Designers consistently push boundaries to create a staircase design for home that reflects personality, optimises space, and enhances aesthetics. From minimal floating stairs to ornate traditional options, each staircase design for home contributes a unique character. In this […]

Read More

Inside Sparta’s Style Shift: Why Custom Built-ins Are Redefining Modern Living Spaces

In the heart of New Jersey, a quiet revolution is reshaping how homeowners think about space, function, and style. Sparta, once known for its traditional layouts and rustic charm, is embracing a more tailored and design-forward approach to interiors. The rise of custom built-ins is at the forefront of this shift, offering homeowners a way […]

Read More

Why Every Contemporary Living Room Needs an Elegant Table

Designing a beautifully well-balanced living room is more than just picking a comfy sofa. The different pieces are essential to the space’s feel and function. An elegant table is necessary for every living space as it looks good and is functional. Find out why this simple piece of furniture can help turn any modern living room […]

Read More

3D Printed Houses In India And Its Evolution

3D-printed houses are one of the emerging construction technologies. It began in the 1930s with William E. Urschel in 1939, who 3D-printed buildings in Indiana, USA. Since then, 3D-printed houses have existed, evolving the field further. This type of house is constructed using a special concrete mix applied layer by layer by a large, computer-controlled […]

Read More

Bathroom Storage Design 2025: 20 Ideas For Your Home

As houses become more efficient and conscious, bathroom storage design is rising to the occasion in terms of function and aesthetic. In 2025, all about sleek looks, intelligent solutions, and eco-friendliness. From floating vanity to modular organizers, these bathroom storage solutions merge functionality with style, ideal for contemporary Indian homes that need order, sophistication, and […]

Read More

Curtains for Living Room Interiors: 15 Trending Ideas In 2025

Curtains for living room spaces do more than cover windows—they define mood, enhance style, and elevate functionality. In India, where design preferences blend tradition with innovation, choosing the right curtains for living room décor becomes a key element in crafting beautiful and personalised interiors. From airy sheers to rich velvets, every curtain style speaks a […]

Read More
  • The Importance of Drainage Planning

    How to get Blueprints of My House