Sell Your Presale Assignment — Can't Complete? Your BC Options (2026)
Updated October 2026
As of 2026, if you can't or don't want to complete a Fraser Valley presale, your main options are: assign the contract (if the developer allows it — usually with a 1–3% assignment fee), negotiate a mutual release with the developer (rare), or forfeit deposits. Most assignments cannot be publicly listed on MLS or Realtor.ca; they're marketed privately. Your profit is subject to approximately 5% GST, BC's flipping tax within 730 days, and CRA business-income treatment. We quietly market assignments to our verified buyer network.
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 are my options if I can't complete?
Three real options: assign the contract to a new buyer (most common), negotiate a mutual release with the developer (rare), or forfeit deposits and walk (expect to lose deposits and possibly be sued for further losses on developer resale).
Does the developer allow assignments?
Check your contract's assignment clause. Most Fraser Valley developers allow assignments with written consent and a 1–3% fee. Some restrict marketing (no MLS), some prohibit until a sales threshold is met, some allow only one assignment per unit.
Why can't I list my assignment on MLS or Realtor.ca?
Many Fraser Valley developers prohibit MLS listings for assignments to protect their sales program. Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford are more permissive than Vancouver. When MLS is off-limits, we market privately through our verified buyer network and other buyer-focused agents.
What taxes apply to my profit?
Three layers: approximately 5% GST on the assignment amount (usually onto the buyer); BC's Home Flipping Tax at 20% inside 365 days, sliding to 0 by 730 days; and CRA business-income treatment on the full profit unless you demonstrate genuine occupancy intent. A CPA review is essential.
How do we quietly market assignments?
Our buyer network is 450+ active families across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley plus verified buyer-focused agents. We check your contract's assignment terms, confirm developer consent conditions, pull comps, and circulate discreetly — no MLS, no signage, just qualified buyers.
Start your free assignment valuation
Tell us about your presale and Uzair will reply within 24 hours with a free valuation and options — no obligation, no cost to sell (the buyer-agent commission is paid by the assignment buyer). Book a free 15-min call or use the form on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my Fraser Valley presale before it completes?
Usually yes — if your contract's assignment clause allows it and the developer consents. Some developers restrict until a sales threshold is met.
How much is a typical developer assignment fee?
Approximately 1–3% of the original contract price, though it varies. Some charge a flat administrative fee instead.
Can I list my assignment on MLS?
Depends on the developer. Many Fraser Valley developers allow it; most Vancouver developers do not. We confirm before marketing.
How long does it take to sell an assignment?
Approximately 2–4 months to accepted offer, then 30–60 days to closing. Depends on price, developer restrictions, and market.
Do I owe tax on my assignment profit?
Yes — approximately 5% GST on the assignment amount, BC flipping tax if under 730 days, and CRA business-income treatment in most cases.
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