How to Buy a Presale Assignment in BC (2026)
Updated October 2026
As of 2026, a presale assignment lets you buy an existing presale contract from the original buyer (assignor) before the building completes. Fraser Valley buyers use assignments to secure a below-market price, move in sooner than a fresh presale, and skip bidding wars. You pay approximately 5% GST on the assignment amount plus PTT at completion. Always use a buyer-focused agent — the developer's sales centre does not represent you.
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.
What is a presale assignment?
The original buyer (assignor) transfers their presale contract to a new buyer (assignee) before completion. You aren't buying the finished home — you're stepping into the assignor's contract. At completion you pay the developer the original balance and take title directly.
Why do Fraser Valley buyers buy assignments?
Price — often at or below current developer price. Speed — completion often 3–12 months out. No bidding war — assignments trade privately. Trade-off: less inventory, and you inherit the assignor's deposit schedule.
What GST and PTT do I pay as the assignee?
Approximately 5% GST on the assignment amount (uplift), usually negotiated onto you. At completion, 5% GST on the developer's original price (net of any rebate) and PTT (with Newly Built Home Exemption up to ~$1.1M). Confirm with a BC lawyer.
Assignee vs assignor — who does what?
Assignor is selling their contract, receives deposit-back plus uplift. Assignee (you) pays deposit-back-plus-uplift, takes on remaining developer obligations, completes with the developer at original price. Developer assignment fee is typically ~1–3% of original price.
What's the buying process?
Six steps: find via a buyer-focused agent's private network, review the original contract and deposit history, negotiate assignment price, obtain developer consent, sign the assignment agreement and transfer funds via lawyer, complete with the developer.
What are the main risks?
Developer can refuse consent. You inherit the disclosure as-is including completion-date changes. Financing must be firm at completion. Tax layers (GST, PTT, future disposition treatment) can be significant. A buyer-focused agent flags these upfront.
Why use a buyer-focused agent on an assignment?
The assignor's agent and developer's rep don't represent you. A buyer-focused agent negotiates the price down, verifies deposits, coordinates developer consent, reviews the original contract in your interest. Developer pays the commission — typically nothing to the buyer (we confirm on each project).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fraser Valley assignments cheaper than new presale launches?
Often yes — assignments frequently trade at or below current developer pricing for the same floor plan.
Do I need the developer's permission to buy an assignment?
Yes, almost always. Written developer consent is required, plus an assignment fee of approximately 1–3% of the original price.
Do I pay GST twice on an assignment?
No — but two GST layers: approximately 5% on the assignment amount and 5% on the developer's original price at completion (net of any rebate).
Can I get the FTHB GST rebate on an assignment?
Potentially yes on the developer portion at completion if you qualify. Confirm with your BC lawyer before signing.
How long does an assignment take to close?
Assignment closes 30–60 days after developer consent; final completion happens on the developer's originally scheduled completion date.
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