New home or subsale property: decision checklist

A new development and a subsale home can both suit the same budget, but they carry different questions. For a new home, confirm the expected completion date, what is included, defect-reporting process, maintenance arrangements, nearby construction and any payments due before or after handover. Treat projected layouts, facilities and travel times as items to verify, not guarantees.

For a subsale home, inspect the actual unit and neighbourhood. Ask about age, repairs, alterations, appliances, utility history, existing tenants, outstanding charges, keys and access cards. A completed home lets you check its real condition, but it may also require immediate repair, upgrading or replacement costs.

Compare delivery timing and cash flow. Include booking and deposit, financing, legal and valuation costs, insurance, renovation, furnishing, moving, utilities and the cost of temporary accommodation if handover is delayed. Record what you personally need on day one versus what can wait.

Before committing, make sure the written documents match the property you chose and that suitable professionals verify the legal, financing and technical matters for your transaction. This checklist helps organise a decision; it does not replace professional advice.