Before you sign, build the bear case.
Off-the-plan is the one purchase where you commit now and settle years later, against a valuation that doesn't exist yet. This builds the case against the deal first — valuation shortfall, settlement risk, body corporate, developer track record and rental-guarantee traps — so you sign with your eyes open.
- 01Brochure / price list
- 02Floor plan & config
- 03Rental estimate quoted
- 04Body corp estimate
- 05Deposit terms
- 06Settlement timeframe
- 07Developer / builder name
- 08Suburb & state
- 09Comparable sales
- 10Valuation assumptions
Off-the-plan due diligence
Valuation shortfall · settlement risk · body corp · developer risk
You are a due-diligence assistant helping an Australian investor build the BEAR CASE on an off-the-plan property before signing a contract. Educational only — not financial, credit, legal or tax advice. WHAT I HAVE (paste or describe): - Price / price list: [$] - Property: [config, size, level/aspect] - Suburb & state: [ ] - Rental estimate quoted: [$ / week] - Body corporate estimate quoted: [$ / year] - Deposit terms: [%] - Settlement timeframe: [estimated date / months] - Developer / builder name: [ ] - Any comparable sales I know of: [ ] Return exactly these sections: ## 1. VALUATION SHORTFALL RISK Why the bank's valuation at settlement may come in below the contract price, and what that means for the deposit gap. ## 2. SETTLEMENT RISK What can change between now and settlement (rates, lending policy, my circumstances, completion delays) and the consequences. ## 3. BODY CORPORATE RISK Whether the quoted strata estimate looks realistic; what tends to rise after the first AGM. ## 4. RENTAL & RENTAL-GUARANTEE CONCERNS Whether the rental estimate is plausible; how rental guarantees can be priced into the purchase price. ## 5. SUPPLY RISK Competing stock settling in the same area at the same time. ## 6. DEVELOPER / BUILDER QUESTIONS What to ask and verify about the developer and builder track record. ## 7. LENDING QUESTIONS For a broker, given off-the-plan valuation and finance-approval timing. ## 8. SOLICITOR QUESTIONS Contract clauses to have a conveyancer/solicitor review (sunset clauses, variations, defects). ## 9. WHAT MUST BE VERIFIED BEFORE PROCEEDING The non-negotiable checks. --- IMPORTANT: Educational due-diligence prompt only. Not financial, credit, legal or tax advice and not a valuation. An off-the-plan contract must be reviewed by a qualified solicitor/conveyancer and the finance by a licensed broker.
A rental guarantee is often priced into the purchase price. A sunset clause can let a developer cancel. These are the clauses an AI prompt can flag but only a conveyancer can rule on — never sign an off-the-plan contract without one.
Numbers organised? The lending structure still needs a human.
AI can prepare the property summary, the assumptions and the risk questions. A credit specialist structures the actual deal — borrowing capacity, lender policy, income treatment, loan structure and the application strategy. Bring your prepared file when it's time.
These tools are for preparation and education only. They do not replace credit assessment, financial advice, tax advice, legal review or lender policy checks. Verify everything with qualified professionals. Finance on the Coast is a subdivision of Model Mortgages Pty Ltd (ABN 82 108 681 063), Australian Credit Licence 387460.