Eight questions to ask before reserving a pre-sale apartment

Buying at pre-sale means buying off-plan or while construction is under way. In exchange for waiting, the price is usually the lowest the development will ever have, and payment plans are more flexible. For that wait to be a calm one, it is worth settling these questions before you reserve.

1. Who develops it and who builds it?

Ask for the legal name of the company selling to you and look at what it has delivered before. Visiting a finished building by the same company tells you more than any render.

2. Does the project have its permits?

Ask about the uso de suelo (land-use zoning) and the construction license or manifestación de construcción (construction filing). A serious developer will show them to you without hesitation.

3. What delivery date does the contract state?

The date that matters is the one in writing, not the one in the brochure. Also check what happens if there is a delay.

4. What does the price include?

Parking space, storage unit, kitchen, closets, finishes. If it is not on the price list or in the contract, do not take it for granted.

5. How does the payment plan work?

Understand how much you pay at signing (down payment), how much during construction (deferred) and how much on delivery (balance), and what discount corresponds to each plan. We explain it in this article.

6. What happens to the reservation deposit if I change my mind?

Each developer has its own rule. On our price lists, for example, once ten business days have passed since the reservation deposit was paid, it is no longer refundable, unless the cancellation is attributable to the seller. Ask before you pay.

7. Does the contract comply with the housing standard?

In Mexico, the sale of new housing is governed by the Ley Federal de Protección al Consumidor (Federal Consumer Protection Law) and NOM-247-SE-2021 (Mexican Official Standard on commercial practices in the marketing of housing), which requires, among other things, clear information on price, area and terms.

8. Exactly what area am I buying?

Distinguish between livable square meters, terraces, balconies and common areas. The final areas are those stated in the contract and the deed.

If you want to go over these questions for a specific development, an advisor will walk you through them with the price list, floor plans and contract at hand.