Our listings include both off-plan and completed property. Off-plan means a property not yet built, or under construction, bought from plans and specifications. Ready means a property that exists — you can view it, and from day one you can live in it or let it.
Compared
| Off-plan | Ready | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Usually lower | Higher |
| Payment | Staged through construction | In full, or financed |
| Rental income | After handover | Immediately |
| Main risk | Delay, or a gap from what was promised | Lower — what you see is what you get |
| Viewing | Show unit and plans only | Complete |
| Suits | A long horizon and staged budget | Anyone wanting to live there or earn now |
The appeal of off-plan
Two clear advantages. First, an entry price usually below an equivalent completed property. Second, the payment structure: instead of funding the whole amount up front, payment spreads across the construction period. For a buyer whose liquidity frees up gradually, that structure can be decisive.
The appeal of ready
Certainty. You see the property, judge the real build quality, assess the neighbours, the light and the noise, and from day one you either move in or let it. If rental income is your aim, every month of delay is a month of income lost.
If you buy off-plan
- 1Check the developer's delivery record, not just the project renders.
- 2Read the contractual handover date and the remedy for delay in the contract text.
- 3Match the payment schedule against your real cash flow.
- 4Get the specification and the net area in writing — the gap between gross and net can be significant.
- 5Ask for an estimate of the service charges after handover.
- 6At handover, inspect before signing off and record any defects in writing.
If you buy ready
- Check for unpaid service charges — they travel with the property.
- Assess how the building is maintained, not only the unit.
- If you plan to let it, ask what similar units in the same building actually rent for, not the seller's suggested figure.
- Factor in the building's age and any major maintenance coming up.
Frequently asked
Does off-plan always work out cheaper?
Not necessarily. The entry price is lower, but count the cost of time: during construction your capital is committed without producing income.
What is the main off-plan risk?
Delay, and a gap between what was promised and what is delivered. Both fall markedly when you choose a developer with a clear delivery record.
Which is better for a golden visa?
Both can fall within range on value, but the stage at which the residency file can be submitted may differ. If residency is your main aim, confirm this before buying.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change — confirm your own position with a qualified professional before deciding.
