What we’re looking at.

Pre-construction is where Toronto buyers most need someone in their corner. The marketing is polished, the contracts are the builder’s, and the questions that decide whether a project is a good buy - deposit structure, closing costs, occupancy timing, the HST fine print - rarely make the brochure. This page is where we put projects we work on directly, along with everything you need to evaluate them.

How we work on builder projects

When we act as the listing team for a project, our job is to run the launch properly: honest pricing against resale comparables, professional media, and a deposit structure held in a brokerage trust account rather than with the builder directly. When we act for a Buyer on any pre-construction project - ours or anyone else’s - the advice is the same as it is everywhere else on this site: we tell you what we would actually do, including when the answer is that resale is the better buy.

What to check before you sign any pre-construction agreement

• The deposit structure and where deposits are held. A brokerage or lawyer’s trust account is a different level of protection than a builder’s operating account.
• The cooling-off period. New condominium purchases in Ontario come with a 10-day rescission window - use it to have a lawyer read the agreement.
• Closing adjustments. Development charges, levies and utility hookups can add real money at closing unless they are capped in the agreement.
• Occupancy vs closing. With condos you may pay occupancy fees before you actually own. Know the gap.
• The HST position. End user or investor - the rebate works differently for each, and getting it wrong is a five-figure surprise.

Our status certificate guide and condo fees guide cover the resale side of the same diligence.

General information, not legal or tax advice. HST rebate rules are federal policy and subject to change - confirm your position with your lawyer and accountant before signing.