Purchasing a property that has not yet been built involves unique risks and extended timeframes. We help you understand exactly what you are committing to — and what protections you have along the way.
Book a ConsultationAn off-the-plan contract commits you to a purchase today for a property that may not be completed for 12 months, 2 years, or longer. The property you receive at settlement may differ from what you expected. Finance conditions that existed at contract can no longer apply. Values change. Developers change. Understanding these risks is essential before you commit.
At LK William, we review off-the-plan contracts in detail, explain every risk and protection in plain language, and ensure you enter the transaction with a clear understanding of your rights — including when things do not go to plan.
Detailed review of off-the-plan contract and disclosure statement
Advice on sunset clauses, developer rights, and plan variation provisions
Explanation of your cooling-off rights and when they apply
Advice on finance conditions and lender requirements at settlement
Guidance on pre-settlement inspections and defect identification
Settlement management including review of final strata/community plans
Understanding each stage reduces risk and builds confidence.
We review the contract, disclosure statement, and developer information in detail before you commit.
We monitor key milestones, advise on any plan variations or developer notices, and keep you informed throughout the construction period.
Before settlement, we advise on your right to inspect and identify defects — and how to exercise that right effectively.
We review the final registered plan, prepare settlement documents, and manage completion — ensuring the property matches the contract.
An off-the-plan contract contains a sunset date — the deadline by which the property must be registered. If this date passes, either party may have the right to terminate. In Queensland, developers face restrictions on using sunset clauses to rescind contracts opportunistically, but understanding your rights is critical.
Developers often retain the right to make changes to floor plans, finishes, and common areas. We identify the extent of these rights in your contract and advise on what changes you must accept — and what gives you a right to terminate.
Your finance approval at the time of contract may not be sufficient at settlement — values can change and lender policies evolve. We advise on finance risk in off-the-plan purchases and how to protect yourself if your financial circumstances change.
Most off-the-plan contracts give developers significant rights to vary the plans, finishes, and configuration of the property. However, these rights are not unlimited. We review the variation provisions in your contract and advise on what changes you must accept and what circumstances give you a right to terminate and recover your deposit.
Unlike a standard contract, an off-the-plan purchase typically does not have a standard finance condition — because the settlement date can be years away. If you cannot obtain finance at settlement, you may be in default of the contract and at risk of losing your deposit. We advise on how to manage finance risk from the outset.
In Queensland, buyers of residential off-the-plan properties generally have a 5-business-day cooling-off period after receiving the disclosure statement or executing the contract (whichever is later). This is separate from the standard contract cooling-off period. We advise you on your specific rights when reviewing your contract.
Book a confidential consultation with our team. No pressure, no legal jargon — just a clear conversation about your matter and how we can help.