Can I take a mortgage for an off-the-plan property?

Yes, you can take out a mortgage for an off-the-plan property, but the timing works differently compared to buying an established home. Many buyers seek pre-approval before signing the contract. However, formal loan approval and funding typically occur closer to settlement, once construction is complete and the lender has conducted a final valuation. Because there can be a long gap between exchange and settlement, lenders will reassess your financial position at that time.

Can you negotiate off-the-plan prices?

In some cases, yes. The ability to negotiate often depends on the stage of the development and current market conditions. Early in a project, developers may be more open to negotiating price, offering upgrades or including incentives. Negotiations don't always relate to the headline price — buyers may also discuss upgrade packages, inclusion levels, settlement timing or deposit structures.

How much are the levies or strata fees for off-the-plan apartments or buildings?

Strata or body corporate fees vary depending on the size of the development and the facilities included. Larger buildings with features like lifts, gyms, pools or concierge services tend to have higher fees. Smaller complexes with fewer shared amenities usually have lower costs. Review the proposed strata budget in the contract documentation before committing, and keep in mind that fees can increase over time.

Do I need to pay a larger deposit for premium or early-release apartments?

Not necessarily. In many cases, the standard deposit requirement applies across the development regardless of whether the apartment is premium or part of an early release. However, some developers may set different deposit structures for high-demand or premium stock. The amount and timing should be clearly outlined in the contract of sale.

Do developers usually accept deposit bonds for off-the-plan purchases?

Acceptance of a deposit bond is always at the developer's discretion. Many developers are familiar with deposit bonds and will accept them as a substitute for a cash deposit, particularly when issued by an established provider. If you're considering using a deposit bond, confirm acceptance with the developer or selling agent early in the process.

Is my deposit refundable if the developer cancels the project?

In most cases, yes. If a project is cancelled in accordance with the contract, buyers are generally entitled to have their deposit refunded. The exact outcome depends on the terms of the contract and the reason for cancellation. It's important to have a solicitor review the agreement before signing so you understand when and how a deposit would be returned.

Confidence keeps the property market moving.

Building more, faster, is only half the equation. The other half is helping buyers commit faster. Market conditions, purchasing decisions and the confidence to move forward financially all play a part. When the equation doesn’t add up, buyer commitment stalls.

Confidence drives every successful development

Confidence in the market. Confidence in your buyers. And confidence that the security supporting every contract will perform when it matters most.

As market conditions evolve, developers face increasing pressure to balance sales performance and prudent risk management, without impacting cost. Affordability challenges, changing buyer behaviour and tighter capital environments have made it more important than ever to remove unnecessary barriers to exchange while maintaining strong contractual protections – deposit bonds help achieve that balance.

Built for developers. Designed for buyers.

Deposit Power helps developers support a broader range of buyers – giving greater flexibility while maintaining the protection of a traditional deposit arrangement for both parties.

We believe developers should not have to choose between security and sales performance. With Deposit Power, you can have both.

No cost to developers Deposit Power bonds are paid for by the buyer.
Proven market acceptance Already accepted across a broad range of residential developments.
Thorough purchaser assessment Underwriting designed to support genuine buyers.
Dedicated project support Close collaboration with developers, project marketers and sales teams.

Supporting developers. Protecting projects.

For more than three decades, Deposit Power has helped developers facilitate property transactions without compromising on security.

Deposit Power deposit bonds help remove one of the most common barriers to purchase, supporting sales momentum throughout the life of a development.

Why Deposit Power?

For more than three decades, Deposit Power has helped developers facilitate property transactions without compromising on security.

Deposit Power deposit bonds help remove one of the most common barriers to purchase, supporting sales momentum throughout the life of a development.

A trusted alternative to a cash deposit

A deposit bond works in place of a cash deposit at exchange.

The deposit bond guarantees the purchaser’s deposit obligation with the full purchase price, including the deposit, being paid at settlement.

At exchange

The purchaser provides a deposit bond issued in lieu of a cash deposit.

During the Contract Period

The deposit bond guarantees the cash deposit.

At settlement

The purchaser pays the full purchase price.

Benefits for off-the-plan developments

For developments with longer settlement periods, deposit bonds allow purchases to secure property without locking away cash for months or years. This reduces friction at exchange while maintaining deposit security for developers.

Benefits of a deposit bond compared to a cash deposit

Supporting master-planned communities and land estates

Deposit bonds help remove barriers to purchase, making it easier for qualified buyers to commit to a new home or land purchase while preserving funds for the construction journey ahead,

Common challenges:

First-home buyers need to preserve savings for construction and future costs
Buyers are balancing multiple financial commitments while securing land
Deposit requirements can delay otherwise qualified buyers from proceeding
Sales teams need practical ways to reduce friction and support conversion

Deposit bonds help:

Broaden the pool of buyers who can proceed with confidence
Reduce barriers to contract exchange
Help buyers preserve savings for construction and settlement costs
Support faster conversion from enquiry to contract
Improve purchaser flexibility without compromising developer security
Help maintain sales momentum across residential communities

Partner with us

Ready to sell more and accelerate your projects sales pipeline?

Let’s talk about how deposit bonds can help drive sales for your development.

Simply reach out to Nick or Lepa, who will be happy to connect and showcase how Deposit Power can help support your project goals.

Nick Rumpff

Head of Sales
0448 000 466
LinkedIn

Lepa Golic

Business Development Manager
0448 203 592
LinkedIn

Henry Brown

Business Development Associate
0473 911 257
LinkedIn

Building more, faster, is only half the equation

Confidence drives every successful development

Built for developers. Designed for buyers.