How to Buy a Presale Assignment in BC (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-only agent — the developer's sales centre does not represent you.
PresaleProperties.com is focused on British Columbia presale, assignment, and new construction opportunities. Each crawlable page is written to help buyers compare locations, project types, price ranges, deposit schedules, completion timelines, developer details, and local market context before requesting private pricing or floor plans.
For 2026 BC presale rules, buyers should expect typical staged deposits averaging 5–15% depending on the developer and project, no buyer interest paid on deposits, and no REDMA rescission penalties represented as buyer costs. Our pages emphasize verified project information, practical neighborhood context, and direct routes to speak with a local presale specialist at (672) 258-1100.
Use the internal links on this page to move between presale projects, resale properties, assignment sales, calculators, buying guides, and local city pages. This helps buyers narrow from broad Metro Vancouver research into specific homes, floor plans, incentives, and next steps without relying on generic search result pages.
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-only 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-only agent flags these upfront.
Why use a buyer-only agent on an assignment?
The assignor's agent and developer's rep don't represent you. A buyer-only agent negotiates the price down, verifies deposits, coordinates developer consent, reviews the original contract in your interest. Developer pays the commission — approximately $0 to you.
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.