Presale Condo Deposits in BC: Structure, Timing & Financing (2026)

How do BC presale deposits work?

Unlike a resale lump sum, presales stagger deposits across construction. Typical Fraser Valley: 5% on signing, 5% at 90–180 days, 5–10% at a milestone, sometimes a final 5%. Total ~5–15% by mid-build. Balance due at completion via mortgage.

What's a typical Fraser Valley schedule?

The most common 2026 pattern is 5-10-10-10 (35% by completion). Wood-frame projects often run 5-5-5 (15%). Concrete towers push higher. Exact schedule is in the disclosure statement — review inside your 7-day rescission window.

Is deposit interest mine?

Generally no. Deposits sit in lawyer/notary trust under REDMA. Once developer conditions are met, they access deposits for construction. Interest earned typically belongs to the developer, not the buyer.

How do buyers finance deposits?

Three paths: cash from savings; HELOC on an existing property (often cheapest if you have equity); unsecured line of credit at your bank. Gift-letter contributions from immediate family are accepted by most Canadian lenders.

How are my deposits protected under REDMA?

REDMA requires deposits in a lawyer/notary trust until the developer meets defined conditions. Once accessed for construction, deposits are typically covered by deposit insurance — one of Canada's strongest buyer-protection frameworks.

What if I miss a deposit instalment?

It's a contract breach. Developer can serve notice, cancel the contract, pursue damages including forfeited deposits and resale shortfall. Calendar every instalment on signing day; if life changes, assign the contract before you default.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.