Buying property off-plan: a good deal or a risk worth taking?

a large building with many windows

Purchasing off-plan (VEFA) is an increasingly popular option for Moroccans looking to become homeowners.

This method, also known as "off-plan purchasing," involves acquiring a property before or during its construction, with delivery delayed.

But is it a truly good idea or a risky bet? Let's analyze the advantages and challenges of this method to help you make an informed decision.

Why is buying off-plan increasingly attractive?

Purchasing off-plan has several advantages that make it an attractive solution for many buyers, whether they are first-time buyers or investors.

Attractive prices and payment by installments

One of the main advantages of VEFA is its financial aspect:

• Prices are often more competitive than those for completed properties. For example, a VEFA apartment in Casablanca can cost 15% to 20% less than a similar property already built
• Payment is made in installments, depending on the progress of the work. This flexibility allows buyers to better manage their budget and spread their investment over time.

A personalization of the real estate

With VEFA, you can often adapt certain aspects of the accommodation to your needs:

• Choice of materials (tiles, paints, sanitary ware).
• Interior design (room layout, kitchen type).
• This allows you to design a property that perfectly meets your expectations.

A guarantee of new housing

Buying off-plan means becoming the owner of a brand-new home that meets the latest construction and insulation standards. Additionally, new properties often come with specific warranties, such as the ten-year warranty, which covers construction defects for 10 years after delivery.

Risks to know before starting

Despite its advantages, buying off-plan comes with risks that should not be ignored. Here are the main ones, along with tips for avoiding them.Retards de livraison

Real estate projects under construction are sometimes subject to delays. The reasons can vary: financial difficulties of the developer, administrative issues, or unforeseen circumstances related to the construction. These delays can disrupt your plans, especially if you planned to move into your home quickly.

Choose a reputable property developer and check that the contract includes penalties for late payments.

Risks of bankruptcy of the promoter

In some cases, off-plan projects remain unfinished due to the developer's bankruptcy. This can result in significant financial losses for the buyer.

Make sure the developer has a financial completion guarantee (GFA). This insurance guarantees the project's completion even in the event of default.

Quality not as expected

Sometimes the delivered property doesn't match the promises made at the time of sale. This may concern the quality of the materials, the finishes, or the size of the rooms.

Visit the developer's other projects to assess the quality of their work and request a detailed description in the contract.

Unexpected additional costs

Additional costs such as notary fees, condominium fees, or possible modifications can increase the final cost of your purchase.

Build in a financial buffer to cover these unexpected expenses.

How to secure your VEFA purchase?

To take full advantage of the benefits of buying off-plan while minimizing the risks, here are some good practices to adopt.

Choosing the right real estate developer

Choosing the right developer is crucial in a VEFA (off-plan sale). Choose well-established companies with a solid reputation and proven experience in the sector. Research reviews, speak to other buyers, and visit their previous projects.

Read the contract carefully

The reservation or sales contract is your main protection tool. It must include:

• A detailed description of the accommodation (surface area, materials, equipment).
• Delivery times and penalties in the event of delay.
• The guarantees provided (ten-year, two-year, perfect completion).

Check insurance and guarantees

Make sure the developer has a financial completion guarantee (GFA) and building damage insurance. These guarantees are mandatory for VEFA projects and protect buyers against unforeseen events.

Stay vigilant during construction

If possible, monitor the progress of the work. This allows you to detect potential problems in time and request corrections if necessary.

Buying off-plan: peace of mind above all

We understand that buying off-plan can seem complex, especially for first-time buyers. That's why you need personalized assistance at every stage of your project.

• Access a selection of reliable VEFA projects, offered by reputable developers.
• Check out reviews from other buyers to assess the quality of projects.
• Benefit from legal and financial advice to secure your investment.

Ready to take the plunge? Explore Housing Place's off-plan opportunities now and find your dream home, stress-free and without any unpleasant surprises.