Your Presale Guide
Make Presales Simple, Profitable, and Stress Free



What is a Presale?
“Presale” (a.k.a. pre‑construction) means purchasing a home before it’s built—directly from the developer—at today’s price with a staged deposit structure. You secure a unit, the developer builds, and you complete at occupancy when the building is finished.
Timeline
Typically 12–36 months from contract to completion depending on project size and approvals.
Timeline
Typically 12–36 months from contract to completion depending on project size and approvals.
Timeline
Typically 12–36 months from contract to completion depending on project size and approvals.
Contract
You sign a Disclosure Statement and a Contract of Purchase & Sale with a rescission period (buyer’s right of cancellation) per provincial rules.
Contract
You sign a Disclosure Statement and a Contract of Purchase & Sale with a rescission period (buyer’s right of cancellation) per provincial rules.
Contract
You sign a Disclosure Statement and a Contract of Purchase & Sale with a rescission period (buyer’s right of cancellation) per provincial rules.
Deposits
Paid in stages (e.g., 5% at writing, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Held in trust—no mortgage until completion.
Deposits
Paid in stages (e.g., 5% at writing, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Held in trust—no mortgage until completion.
Deposits
Paid in stages (e.g., 5% at writing, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Held in trust—no mortgage until completion.
Benefits & Risks (At a Glance)
Benefits
Entry today with staged deposits—mortgage later at completion.
Brand‑new home with warranty and modern finishes.
Potential price growth during construction; early floor‑plan selection.
Developer incentives, credits, and VIP pricing when you register early
Benefits
Entry today with staged deposits—mortgage later at completion.
Brand‑new home with warranty and modern finishes.
Potential price growth during construction; early floor‑plan selection.
Developer incentives, credits, and VIP pricing when you register early
Benefits
Entry today with staged deposits—mortgage later at completion.
Brand‑new home with warranty and modern finishes.
Potential price growth during construction; early floor‑plan selection.
Developer incentives, credits, and VIP pricing when you register early
Risks
Market conditions may change before completion.
Construction delays can extend timelines.
Interest‑rate and qualification risk at completion.
Assignment restrictions or fees may apply—read the contract.
Risks
Market conditions may change before completion.
Construction delays can extend timelines.
Interest‑rate and qualification risk at completion.
Assignment restrictions or fees may apply—read the contract.
Risks
Market conditions may change before completion.
Construction delays can extend timelines.
Interest‑rate and qualification risk at completion.
Assignment restrictions or fees may apply—read the contract.
Step‑by‑Step Process
Discovery & Pre‑Approval
Clarify goals (investor vs. end‑user), budget, and timeline. Secure a mortgage pre‑approval or proof of funds
Discovery & Pre‑Approval
Clarify goals (investor vs. end‑user), budget, and timeline. Secure a mortgage pre‑approval or proof of funds
Discovery & Pre‑Approval
Clarify goals (investor vs. end‑user), budget, and timeline. Secure a mortgage pre‑approval or proof of funds
Construction Updates
We monitor milestones, amendments, and design center selections; you prepare for completion
Construction Updates
We monitor milestones, amendments, and design center selections; you prepare for completion
Construction Updates
We monitor milestones, amendments, and design center selections; you prepare for completion
Write the Offer
Negotiate incentives, parking/storage, and assignment terms. Sign disclosure and CPS with cooling‑off rights.
Write the Offer
Negotiate incentives, parking/storage, and assignment terms. Sign disclosure and CPS with cooling‑off rights.
Write the Offer
Negotiate incentives, parking/storage, and assignment terms. Sign disclosure and CPS with cooling‑off rights.
Completion & Possession
Finalize mortgage, sign with your lawyer/notary, pay closing costs & taxes, and get your keys.
Completion & Possession
Finalize mortgage, sign with your lawyer/notary, pay closing costs & taxes, and get your keys.
Completion & Possession
Finalize mortgage, sign with your lawyer/notary, pay closing costs & taxes, and get your keys.
Deposits
Paid in stages (e.g., 5% at writing, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Held in trust—no mortgage until completion.
Deposits
Paid in stages (e.g., 5% at writing, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Held in trust—no mortgage until completion.
Deposits
Paid in stages (e.g., 5% at writing, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Held in trust—no mortgage until completion.
Deposits in Trust
Follow the staged deposit schedule; funds are held in trust as per BC requirements.
Deposits in Trust
Follow the staged deposit schedule; funds are held in trust as per BC requirements.
Deposits in Trust
Follow the staged deposit schedule; funds are held in trust as per BC requirements.
Total Cost Checklist (BC)
Typical Upfront & Closing Costs
Deposits (staged 5–20% total depending on project)
GST on new homes (5% — potential rebates for qualifying buyers)
Property Transfer Tax (PTT) — exemptions may apply for FTHB/New‑Build
Legal/Notary fees & title insurance
Appraisal & lender fees (if applicable)
Strata move‑in & utility connection fees
Typical Upfront & Closing Costs
Deposits (staged 5–20% total depending on project)
GST on new homes (5% — potential rebates for qualifying buyers)
Property Transfer Tax (PTT) — exemptions may apply for FTHB/New‑Build
Legal/Notary fees & title insurance
Appraisal & lender fees (if applicable)
Strata move‑in & utility connection fees
Typical Upfront & Closing Costs
Deposits (staged 5–20% total depending on project)
GST on new homes (5% — potential rebates for qualifying buyers)
Property Transfer Tax (PTT) — exemptions may apply for FTHB/New‑Build
Legal/Notary fees & title insurance
Appraisal & lender fees (if applicable)
Strata move‑in & utility connection fees
Ongoing Costs to Plan For
Mortgage payments (after completion)
Property taxes & home insurance
Strata fees (HOA)
Maintenance & contingency planning
Ongoing Costs to Plan For
Mortgage payments (after completion)
Property taxes & home insurance
Strata fees (HOA)
Maintenance & contingency planning
Ongoing Costs to Plan For
Mortgage payments (after completion)
Property taxes & home insurance
Strata fees (HOA)
Maintenance & contingency planning
BC Incentives & Rebates
GST New Housing Rebate
Potential rebate for qualifying buyers on new homes (presales). We’ll help you evaluate eligibility.
GST New Housing Rebate
Potential rebate for qualifying buyers on new homes (presales). We’ll help you evaluate eligibility.
GST New Housing Rebate
Potential rebate for qualifying buyers on new homes (presales). We’ll help you evaluate eligibility.
PTT Exemptions
Provincial Property Transfer Tax exemptions may apply for first‑time buyers and newly built home purchases.
PTT Exemptions
Provincial Property Transfer Tax exemptions may apply for first‑time buyers and newly built home purchases.
PTT Exemptions
Provincial Property Transfer Tax exemptions may apply for first‑time buyers and newly built home purchases.
FHSA & RRSP
Use First Home Savings Account and RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan strategically to reduce cash outlay.
FHSA & RRSP
Use First Home Savings Account and RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan strategically to reduce cash outlay.
FHSA & RRSP
Use First Home Savings Account and RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan strategically to reduce cash outlay.
FAQ
How much do I need for deposits?
Most projects require 10–20% total, paid in stages (e.g., 5% now, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Exact schedules vary by developer.
When do I start paying a mortgage?
You don’t take a mortgage until completion/possession. Prior to that, your deposits are held in trust.
Can I assign my presale?
Often yes, with developer consent and a fee—terms are project‑specific. We’ll review the clause before you write.
What happens if rates change by completion?
We plan ahead with your lender, explore rate holds, and ensure you qualify under conservative assumptions.
How much do I need for deposits?
Most projects require 10–20% total, paid in stages (e.g., 5% now, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Exact schedules vary by developer.
When do I start paying a mortgage?
You don’t take a mortgage until completion/possession. Prior to that, your deposits are held in trust.
Can I assign my presale?
Often yes, with developer consent and a fee—terms are project‑specific. We’ll review the clause before you write.
What happens if rates change by completion?
We plan ahead with your lender, explore rate holds, and ensure you qualify under conservative assumptions.
How much do I need for deposits?
Most projects require 10–20% total, paid in stages (e.g., 5% now, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 12 months). Exact schedules vary by developer.
When do I start paying a mortgage?
You don’t take a mortgage until completion/possession. Prior to that, your deposits are held in trust.
Can I assign my presale?
Often yes, with developer consent and a fee—terms are project‑specific. We’ll review the clause before you write.
What happens if rates change by completion?
We plan ahead with your lender, explore rate holds, and ensure you qualify under conservative assumptions.
What's Next
Hire A Blue Chip Presale Expert
What's Next
Hire A Blue Chip Presale Expert
What's Next