Kolaboro / Guides
Off-plan payments: how to pay without losing your money
Most off-plan losses happen because buyers pay ahead of construction. Structure your payments so your money follows the building.
The safe structure
- Small deposit. Keep the reservation and first payment to a small share of the price.
- Pay by milestone, not by date. Foundations, structure, roof, finishes, handover. Each payment is due only when that stage exists.
- Verify before every payment. Someone who works for you checks the milestone on site, with dated, location-stamped evidence.
- Hold back the last part. Keep a final payment until handover and a snagging inspection.
- Pay the right account. Only to the company named in the contract. Never to a personal account or a "partner" company.
Clauses to ask for
- A delivery date with a penalty or a refund if it's missed.
- What happens to your money if the project stops.
- Use of an escrow or notary account where it's available.
- A written change process: no price increases without your signature.
Warning signs
- "Pay 50% now to lock the price."
- Payment dates with no link to construction.
- Progress updates that are only renders or staged photos.
- No penalty for late delivery in the contract.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and every case is different. Before you sign, have an independent notary and lawyer check your specific property. A Kolaboro agent can help you prepare.