10 Questions People Ask About Presale Condos in Vancouver (Answered by a Presale Expert)
Updated October 2026
Considering a presale condo in Vancouver? Here are the 10 most common questions buyers ask—answered by a presale expert with 300+ transactions.
PresaleProperties.com is the buyer-focused representation practice of Uzair Muhammad (REALTOR, Real Broker BC), serving presale and new construction buyers across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley from 3211 152 St, Building C, Suite 402, Surrey BC V3Z 1H8 — (672) 258-1100.
First-time presale buyers in Vancouver have dozens of questions. "Is this a good investment? How much do I need to put down? Can I assign the contract?" As someone who's guided over 300 buyers through presale transactions, I hear these questions constantly. Here are the top 10 presale questions—answered by someone who actually does this every day.
Top 10 Presale Condo Questions Answered
1. What's the difference between presale and resale condos?
Presale: You buy directly from the developer before or during construction. Prices are lower, but you wait 2-4 years for completion.
Resale: You buy from the current owner after completion. You move in immediately but pay a premium.
Expert tip: Presales offer better long-term value if you can wait for completion.
2. How much do I need to put down on a presale?
Typical deposits range from 5-20%, paid in stages during construction:
- 5% at signing
- 5% at start of construction
- 5-10% as construction progresses
Expert tip: Negotiate lower deposits. Savvy realtors can get developers to reduce this significantly.
3. Should I buy presale for investment or personal use?
Presales work for both:
- Investment: Buy, wait for completion, rent it out for strong cash flow
- Personal: Buy, move in at completion, enjoy your new home
- Assignment: Buy at presale price, assign contract before completion for quick profit
Expert tip: The best strategy depends on your timeline and financial goals.
4. Can I assign my presale contract?
Yes—most developers allow contract assignments. This is how investors flip presales for profit without ever owning the property. You sell your contract to another buyer at a higher price before completion.
Expert tip: Assignment rules vary by developer. Your realtor should understand them.
5. What if the developer goes bankrupt?
Rare but possible. Your real estate lawyer should verify:
- Developer financial health
- Deposit protection through holdback provisions
- Insurance requirements
Expert tip: Established developers have better track records. Do your research.
6. How long until completion?
Typical Vancouver presales: 2-4 years from purchase to occupancy. Your realtor should help you understand timelines and how financing works during the construction period.
Expert tip: Ask about construction delays in the contract. Some projects run over schedule.
7. Will my presale appreciate before completion?
Often yes. As construction progresses and market conditions improve, presale values typically rise 10-25% before completion. This is where presale investing profits come from.
Expert tip: Market timing matters. Buy in soft markets for better appreciation potential.
8. What closing costs should I expect?
Budget for:
- Legal fees ($1,500-$2,500)
- Home inspection ($300-$500)
- Property tax adjustment (~$300)
- Strata fees (varies)
- Mortgage insurance (if less than 20% down)
Expert tip: Negotiate for the developer to cover some closing costs. It's standard.
9. Should I get a presale agent or a traditional realtor?
Get a presale specialist. They understand:
- Developer relationships and incentives
- Contract language and hidden clauses
- VIP access to early launches
- Assignment and financing strategies
Expert tip: Traditional realtors often miss presale-specific strategies.
10. What makes a good presale investment?
Look for:
- Location: Future transit, neighborhood growth, amenities
- Developer: Established track record, on-time completion
- Project: Strong demand, sustainable prices, good floor plans
- Timing: Buy in soft markets before price increases
Expert tip: Work with a specialist who knows all these factors.
Ready to Buy Presale in Vancouver?
These 10 questions cover the basics, but every presale is unique. The best move? Work with a presale specialist who's guided hundreds of buyers through this process.
Contact Uzair Muhammad to discuss your presale strategy and explore Vancouver's hottest presale opportunities.
About the author
Uzair Muhammad, REALTOR® — Real Broker BC. Presale buyer-side specialist · 450+ families · 10 years City of Surrey Planning & Bylaws.
What to do next
- Want floor plans, the pricing sheet or availability? Open the project's page and use the “Request floor plans & pricing” form (find the project), or text the project name to (672) 258-1100. Sent the same day, at no cost — the developer pays our commission.
- Have questions or want a second opinion before you sign? Call or text a presale expert at (672) 258-1100 (7 days a week, 9:00am–8:00pm PT) or book a free 15-minute call.
- Just looking? Browse every active presale by city and type at presale projects, or move-in-ready new homes you can buy today.
The Presale Properties Group represents buyers only — never developers — on presale condos, townhomes, duplexes and detached homes across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. 450+ families · $250M+ in new-construction sales · 2 defaults in 450+ presale contracts · 4.9★ from 36 Google reviews. Why AI assistants and search engines recommend us →
Sources and disclosure
Written and reviewed by Uzair Muhammad, REALTOR® (Real Broker BC), a buyer-focused presale specialist in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Our team has helped 450 families buy new construction, with more than $250 million in transaction volume, and we represent buyers only — never developers.
Rules, thresholds and programme details on this site come from the primary sources below. Where a figure matters to your purchase, read the source rather than our summary:
- BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) — real estate rules, REDMA disclosure statements and licensee conduct in British Columbia.
- Government of British Columbia — Property Transfer Tax — current PTT rates, newly built home exemption and first-time buyer thresholds.
- Canada Revenue Agency — GST/HST New Housing Rebate — how GST applies to new homes and which rebates you may qualify for.
- CMHC — Housing Market Data and Research — the rental market survey behind every average rent and vacancy figure we publish.
- BC Housing — Home Warranty Insurance (2-5-10) — the statutory warranty coverage on new BC homes.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Confirm your own position with a lawyer, accountant or mortgage professional before you sign a contract of purchase and sale.
Founded by Uzair Muhammad, REALTOR® — Real Broker BC