2026 BC Buyer Guides
Buying a BC presale? Get every answer here.
Plain-English guides written for first-time buyers and investors — no jargon, no developer spin, no cost to you.
Buyer-focused agents · 450+ families · $250M+ in presales · $0 cost to you
Not sure where to start?
Pick what fits — we'll send you straight to the right guide.
Browse all guides
How buying a BC presale actually works
What you'll actually pay
7 Costly Mistakes Presale Buyers Make
Frequently asked questions
What is a presale condo?
A unit you buy before construction is complete — sometimes before it begins. You're buying based on plans and renderings, and you take possession at completion (typically 1–5 years later).
How much deposit do I really need?
Typically 5–15% of the price (up to 20% in hot launches), paid in instalments over 12–18 months. A common structure is 5% at signing, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 180 days. All deposits sit in a lawyer's trust account under REDMA.
What is the 7-day rescission period?
BC law gives you 7 calendar days after signing to cancel the contract for any reason with your deposit refunded. Use that window for a real estate lawyer to review the disclosure statement.
Can the completion date change?
Yes. Construction delays from weather, permits or supply chains are common. Your contract specifies a completion window (not a fixed date) and the process if it slips.
Do I get a warranty?
Yes — BC's mandatory 2-5-10 warranty: 2 years on materials and labour, 5 years on the building envelope, 10 years on structure.
What if the developer goes bankrupt?
Your deposits are in a lawyer's trust, not the developer's bank account. Combined with REDMA disclosure rules and 2-5-10 warranty, your downside is limited. Choosing established developers further reduces risk.
Can I sell before completion?
Often yes, via an assignment sale. The developer typically charges a 1–3% admin fee, GST applies to your profit, and the BC home flipping tax applies if you've held under 730 days.
Are there first-time buyer benefits?
Yes. The PTT exemption (full up to $835K, partial to $860K, plus the new-construction exemption to $1.1M), the FHSA, and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan can each save thousands.
Presale vs resale — which is better in 2026?
Presale gives you brand-new, customizable units and 2-5-10 warranty with a deferred cash outlay. Resale gives you certainty and faster occupancy. It depends on your timeline and risk tolerance — our Presale vs Resale guide breaks it down.
What does it cost to work with a buyer-focused specialist??
$0. The developer pays our commission. You get VIP launch access, contract review support and a buyer advocate, with no out-of-pocket cost.