For an off-the-plan apartment, the key questions concern the contract, proposed design and conditions for completion. Use illustrations as a starting point for checking the documents.
What documents define the apartment?
Ask for the proposed plan, finishes and disclosure material. Have your legal adviser explain permitted changes and your rights if important details change. A display image or verbal assurance is not a substitute for the documents.
What triggers completion and settlement?
Ask about the expected timetable and the contractual events required before settlement. Check payment dates and finance arrangements. The estimated completion date is not a promise that every step will occur on that day.
How is the deposit handled?
Check the stakeholder, payment arrangements and any provisions about interest. NSW protections generally require off-the-plan deposits and instalments to remain in a trust or controlled money account during the contract period. Do not assume you receive interest or delay compensation without reviewing the terms.
What does the sunset clause cover?
A sunset provision concerns specified events such as plan registration or issue of an occupation certificate by a set date. It is not simply the maximum construction time. Ask your legal adviser about the clause, other termination provisions and the statutory limits on developer rescission.
Sources and current guidance
Guidance reviewed 3 October 2026. Check the linked official information for your circumstances.
