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Aug 25, 2025

10 More Questions People Ask About Presale Condos in Vancouver (Answered by a Presale Expert)

10 More Questions People Ask About Presale Condos in Vancouver (Answered by a Presale Expert)

10 More Questions People Ask About Presale Condos in Vancouver (Answered by a Presale Expert)

10 More Questions People Ask About Presale Condos in Vancouver (Answered by a Presale Expert)

Buying a presale condo in Vancouver, Surrey, or the Fraser Valley can be exciting—but it also comes with lots of questions. I’ve helped hundreds of buyers and investors with presales, and I see the same concerns pop up again and again.

Here are 10 common questions people are asking about presale condos in BC—answered in plain English, so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Can a presale finish earlier than planned?

Yes! While delays are common, sometimes a project gets built faster than expected. I’ve seen clients suddenly asked to close a year earlier than they thought. That can cause big stress if your mortgage or savings aren’t ready.

👉 This is why I always prepare my clients for both delays and early completions.

2. Are developers using “tricks” to sell when projects struggle?

Sometimes, yes. If you see huge promotions, discounts, or special offers, it can be a red flag. For example, some downtown Vancouver projects offered big bonuses just to move units.

👉 I help my buyers read between the lines and figure out whether a deal is real value—or just a sales gimmick.

3. What if the project doesn’t even have financing yet?

This happens more than you’d think. Some developers start selling without having their construction financing locked in. If the financing falls through, the project could be delayed—or even cancelled.

👉 I research every project before recommending it, so you don’t end up stuck in one of these risky situations.

4. Does location really matter that much?

Absolutely. Even a beautiful building can be hard to resell if it’s in the wrong spot. Some projects face future view blockages, or are too close to noisy areas.

👉 I specialize in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, and Coquitlam presales, and I know which locations hold long-term value.

5. Do strata fees go up after move-in?

Almost always. Developers sometimes show very low “estimated” fees to make the condo look cheaper. Once the building is running, real costs like insurance and maintenance kick in—and fees rise.

👉 I break down the strata budgets with my clients so you know what’s realistic.

6. Can I assign (transfer) my presale to a family member?

Maybe. Some contracts allow it, others don’t. And even if they do, the developer usually has to approve—and they’ll often charge a fee.

👉 I’ve reviewed hundreds of presale contracts and can tell you upfront if this option is available.

7. How much extra cash should I have, just in case?

This one surprises a lot of people. Besides your deposit, you’ll need money for closing costs, and sometimes even for surprises like higher appraisals or extra fees. Some buyers on Reddit say you need $300K in reserves. That’s not realistic for everyone—but you should definitely plan ahead.

👉 I help my clients budget properly so there are no nasty surprises at closing.

8. Should I worry about “buying at the wrong time”?

Many buyers stress about getting the “perfect deal.” But the truth is, timing the market is impossible. What really matters is: can you afford it, and does it fit your long-term plan?

👉 I coach my clients through this decision, focusing on the numbers, not the noise.

9. Is it hard to sell a presale contract?

Yes—it’s not like selling a normal condo. Developers often control the assignment process and charge fees. You can’t always list on MLS, which makes it harder to find buyers.

👉 I’ve successfully sold millions in presale assignments, and I know how to navigate the developer rules.

10. Can I sell my presale in Surrey or Langley?

Definitely. Areas like Surrey’s King George Hub and Langley’s new town centres are hot spots for presale assignments. But just like Vancouver, the rules depend on the builder.

👉 Since I work across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I know where assignments are in demand—and how to get them sold.

Final Thoughts

Presale condos can be a fantastic way to get into the market or build wealth—but only if you know the risks. Whether it’s hidden fees, developer rules, or financing challenges, having the right expert by your side makes all the difference.

I’m Uzair Muhammad, Vancouver’s Presale Expert. I’ve sold over $150M in presale condos and helped both first-time buyers and seasoned investors succeed in this market.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or assigning a presale condo in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, or Coquitlam—let’s talk. I’ll guide you through the process, protect your investment, and make sure you get the best deal.

👉 Book a call with me today to get access to the top presale projects in BC.


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Uzair Muhammad PREC

Real Broker | 666 Burrard St, Suite 500, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P6

Uzair Muhammad PREC

Real Broker | 666 Burrard St, Suite 500, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P6

Uzair Muhammad PREC

Real Broker | 666 Burrard St, Suite 500, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P6