Buying Off Plan - The Big Scam

This is where investors purchase a property thatpay the builders. He can start the project without
doesn't exist.having any money withdrawn from his account!
I'm not referring to buying a make-believe property! INow, let's look at the same investment from the
mean one where you're relying on a developmentinvestor's perspective.
company to build the property.You invest early in property for a hefty 15% discount.
How does the process work?One year later, the price increases by 10%. You wait
You may have seen eye-catching brochures for theanother year when the price increases by another
development of a fancy new luxury resort.10%. If you sell your share in the property, you could
You're invited to invest in this property and receive aend up doubling your money!
discount if you do it early. You're told you can sellSo you and the developer both win, right?
during construction or after project completion for aWRONG!Before investing in buying off plan, consider
huge profit.the following:
This sounds too good to be true!- You must sell your apartment or property within a
Well, let's look at this from the developer's point oftight timeframe which requires many buyers and a
view.liquid market
The developer has enough money to draft the plans- You won't receive your money back or a deposit
and print enticing advertisements for his proposedrefund if the project fails
development. However, he needs a lot of money for- Prices have to rise quickly for you to make a profit -
the land, and his bank requires security.you'll make nothing if they remain static or rise slowly
What does he do?- The initial valuation of the property must be correct; if
He entices people like you to invest early in hisit's overvalued by even 10%, you'll lose money
property by offering you a discount. He uses the- Investing in foreign tourist markets is risky because
investors' money to obtain a bank loan for the land.locals can't afford the resale property
Administrative staff then begins collecting more moneyNow, you have the true facts.
from additional investors. At this point, the developerUnless you're a developer, stay away from buying off
should have sufficient funds to begin construction andplans!