How to Find, Buy & Sell Off-Plan Property

This short guide will encompass how exactly you can find, buy, and sell your off-plan property. 
 
So, you’ve decided you want to invest in off-plan property. While there are so many benefits to this, it can be tricky to know the exact steps to take to make the most of your property investment. That's why we’ve split this guide into 3 key sections.  
 
For more information on off-plan property investment, read our complete guide on the topic.  
 

How to find off-plan property 

Finding the right off-plan property to invest in comes down to 2 main components: the location and the developer you work with.  

The location

If you’re based in the UK, there are certain areas worth investing in more than others. Our guide on UK locations for off-plan property investment can help, but for a quick look:

• Birmingham: rapidly transforming, with a diverse economy that has rising housing demand. 
  
  
• Leeds: major commercial and residential developments with a strong potential for capital growth, rental yields and increased property value.
  
  
• Bradford: an affordable, growing hub for investments, with strong rental demand from students and families.
  
  
• Liverpool: a growing property market, driven by key developments and high rental demand, offering strong capital appreciation potential.
  
  
• Scotland: a resilient property market with on-going developments, strong rental demand and market growth. 
  
  
• Manchester: thriving property market, with excellent transport links and a strong student and professional population. 
  
  
• London: resilient and high demand property market, a prime choice for off-plan investments with steady rental demand and constant infrastructure growth.  

The developer

Once you’ve decided on your ideal location, you’ll want to find the right developer to make an off-plan purchase through. There are a few ways to find a developer:  

• Property sites like Rightmove and Zoopla have sections dedicated to new builds and developments. These often include the developer’s name, allowing you to compare developments and read buyer reviews.
  
  
• Property and Investment Expos are great place to meet and speak to developers, and compare developments across different locations. 
  
  
• Property management companies like The Right Property Group have established relationships with developers across the UK, and can help you with choosing a developer. 

You’ll then want to thoroughly evaluate your chosen developer’s reputation. A poor track record of delayed projects and unsatisfied investors could significantly affect your own finances.

Some ways to do this are:  

• Ask the right questions: ask about previous projects, timelines for property completion, growth potential for the area they operate in, and more.
  
  
• Case studies & testimonials: ask for these from previous buyers.  

 

How to buy off-plan property 

The process of actually buying off-plan property has a few steps. We cover these steps in our complete Guide to Buying Off-Plan Property.  

But to give you a brief overview: 

1. Research where you want to buy & who you want to buy from 
2. Consider your finances and how much you can realistically afford to invest 
3. Reserve your property with a fee to take it off the market  
4. Review the contract thoroughly to ensure everything is as agreed  
5. Exchange contracts and pay the initial deposit
6. Monitor the construction and keep in touch with the developer on progress
7. Completion and handover of the property, when you’ll obtain all necessary paperwork and get your keys  
    

How to sell off-plan property 

Once you’ve got your completed property, it’s up to you what you choose to do with it. The most common options for investors are to either rent it out or sell it for a profit.  

Let’s say you want to sell your property. There are a few key points you’ll want to consider.  

Review re-sale terms  

Check for any restrictions on re-selling in your contract, as many will outline specific conditions for early re-sales.  

Assess market value  

Research the local property market and price your property competitively against similar property types. Make sure you highlight any unique features that will set your property apart.  

Maximise exposure  

List your property on the leading UK property websites, and ensure your listing is written in an appealing way that sets you apart from other similar properties in the area.  
 

Finding, buying and selling your off-plan property can be straightforward and profitable with the right support. Many investors opt to work with a property management company to reduce risks involved, and take advantage of a team with the experience to navigate off-plan investments.  
 
That's where The Right Property Group can help. Get in touch today with our team to chat through your options.