10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Pre-Selling Condo

Pre-selling condos are one of the most common ways Filipinos and overseas buyers enter the property market. Prices are typically lower than ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units, payment terms are more flexible, and buyers get to choose from a wider selection of floors and layouts before a project fills up.

But buying something that doesn't exist yet also means taking on risks that don't apply to resale or RFO units — construction delays, changes in unit specifications, and the developer's ability to deliver as promised. Asking the right questions upfront can save you years of frustration later.

Questions About the Developer and Project

1. What is the developer's track record?

Look into the developer's past projects, not just their marketing materials. Have they completed previous towers on time, or close to it? Are older projects well-maintained years after turnover? Site visits to a developer's finished properties can tell you more than any brochure.

2. Is the project registered with the appropriate government agency?

Pre-selling projects in the Philippines are generally required to be registered and licensed before developers can legally accept reservations or payments. Ask for proof of the project's license to sell and registration status, and consider verifying this independently rather than relying solely on the sales agent's word.

3. What is the realistic turnover timeline — and what happens if it slips?

Marketing materials often state an optimistic completion date. Ask what provisions exist in the contract for delays, whether there are penalty clauses, and how the developer has historically handled setbacks on other projects.

Questions About the Unit Itself

4. What exactly is included in the unit specifications?

Pre-selling units are often sold based on architectural renderings and sample units that may look more finished than what buyers actually receive. Ask for a detailed specifications sheet covering flooring, fixtures, cabinetry, and whether the unit will be delivered bare, semi-fitted, or fully fitted.

5. Can specifications or unit size change before turnover?

It's not unusual for developers to reserve the right to make minor adjustments to layouts, finishes, or even unit size within a certain tolerance. Understand what changes are allowed under the contract and what recourse you have if the delivered unit differs significantly from what was marketed.

6. What is the view and orientation actually going to look like?

Renderings can be misleading, especially regarding views that may later be blocked by future phases of the same development or neighboring construction. Ask for the master development plan to understand what else might be built nearby before your unit is turned over.

Questions About Money and Contracts

7. What is the full payment structure, including all fees?

Beyond the listed price per square meter, ask about reservation fees, miscellaneous charges, association dues that may apply upon turnover, and any charges tied to loan processing or title transfer. Get a complete breakdown in writing rather than piecing it together from verbal quotes.

8. What happens if I need to stop paying or want to resell before turnover?

Life circumstances change. Ask about the developer's policy on missed payments, grace periods, and whether assigning or reselling your reservation before turnover is allowed, and under what conditions or fees.

9. How will financing work, and when do I need to secure it?

Many pre-selling arrangements involve a spot down payment period followed by bank or in-house financing closer to turnover. Ask when you'll need to have financing approved, what happens if your loan application is denied, and whether the developer has partner banks that streamline the process. Since lending terms and approval requirements vary by bank and by borrower, it's worth speaking with more than one lender early rather than waiting until turnover is near.

10. What are my rights and remedies if the project is delayed indefinitely or abandoned?

This is the risk buyers worry about most, and for good reason. Ask what protections exist in your contract, what recourse buyers have generally in cases of significant delay or non-delivery, and consider having a lawyer review the contract to purchase before signing. A licensed real estate professional or lawyer can help clarify what's standard practice versus what may be a red flag specific to a particular project.

Doing Your Own Homework

Beyond these ten questions, it helps to talk to other buyers in the same project if possible — online forums and social media groups for specific developments are increasingly common and can surface real experiences with turnover timelines, unit quality, and developer responsiveness.

It's also worth visiting the actual site, not just the showroom. Seeing the pace of construction, the surrounding area, and how far along the project truly is can offer a reality check that glossy marketing materials won't.

Final Thoughts

Pre-selling condos can be a smart way to build equity in a property while spreading out payments over time, especially for first-time buyers who aren't ready for a large lump-sum purchase. But the lower price point comes with trade-offs in certainty. Taking the time to ask these questions — and getting answers in writing where possible — puts you in a much stronger position to make a confident decision, and to know what to do if things don't go exactly as planned.