The advantage is that you generally get to choose from a wide range of layouts, aspects and internal finishes. Often, you can negotiate to choose floor coverings, taps, tiles or paint colours that are not in the schedule. You may initially be relying on an artist's impression of your future home and layout, but further down the track you will have access to architectural plans and details.
Purchasing a property is always a complex decision with many pitfalls for the unwary, but the risk is greater if you cannot even inspect the property that you are buying.
When buying off the plan you will usually sign a basic domestic building contract (which will include a description of the land), pay a deposit and then pay the balance when the home is completed.
The most significant difference between buying off the plan when the sub-division is still under construction is that there may be conditions or caveats that are difficult to identify clearly and are outside the builder's or developer's control (such as the position of underground power, storm water easements etc).
In these cases it is important to understand what you can do if the site you signed for turns out to be unacceptable. Most builders and developers will offer alternative sites should these issues arise. The details are often difficult to finalise until after the subdivision plan has been lodged with the Development Assessment Commission and a development number is issued. Refer to Planning SA for further information.
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Information on copyright for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=60
Disclaimer
Information on the disclaimer for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=61
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The South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information, consistent with the South Australian Government's Information Privacy Principles. If you would like to view the full privacy statement please visit: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/privacy.html
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