Buying off the plan vs Established property: Which Is Better for Today’s Market Conditions?
In today’s evolving property market, buyers and investors are facing a key decision – should you be buying off the plan vs established property? Which is better? What suits me best?
At Crest Property Investments, we work closely with clients to help them weigh the pros and cons of each option based on their financial goals, risk appetite, and lifestyle needs. With interest rates stabilising and buyer confidence returning, now is an ideal time to revisit this important decision.
What is an off the plan property?
Buying off-the-plan means committing to a property—typically an apartment, townhouse, or house and land package—that is not yet built. You purchase based on the plans, renders, and specifications provided by the developer.
What is an established property?
An established property is a completed, existing dwelling that can be inspected and occupied or leased immediately. It may be newly built or an older home that has already been lived in.
Off-the-Plan: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Stamp Duty Savings: In Victoria, significant stamp duty concessions are available for off-the-plan purchases, particularly for first-home buyers.
- Tax Benefits for Investors: Brand-new properties offer full depreciation benefits on both building and fixtures, helping investors reduce taxable income.
- Time to Prepare Financially: With settlement often 12–24 months away, buyers have more time to save, arrange finance, or sell another property.
- Modern Design & Low Maintenance: New builds meet current building codes, offer modern layouts, and generally have lower upkeep costs in the early years.
Disadvantages:
- Construction Delays: Projects can be delayed due to weather, labour shortages, or planning issues—especially in regional or high-growth areas.
- Market Risk: Property values can fluctuate during the construction period. There’s a risk that market conditions may change by the time of settlement.
- Less Immediate Feedback: You can’t inspect the exact finished product before buying, which makes developer reputation and guidance even more important.
Established Property: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Immediate Rental Income or Occupancy: Suitable for those wanting to move in or rent out the property straight away.
- You Can Inspect What You’re Buying: You can walk through the property, assess the build quality, and explore the local streetscape before making a decision.
- Well-Established Locations: Often located in mature suburbs with established infrastructure, transport, and amenities.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Upfront Costs: Established homes usually come with higher stamp duty and less opportunity for tax deductions.
- Potential for Renovation Costs: Older homes may need upgrades or ongoing maintenance, which can eat into returns.
- Limited Government Incentives: First-home buyer grants and concessions often favour new builds over established homes.
Which One is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice will depend on:
- Your investment strategy: Are you looking for tax efficiency, capital growth, or cash flow?
- Your timeline: Do you need something now, or can you wait 12–24 months?
- Your risk profile: Are you comfortable with a delayed settlement or prefer something tangible today?
If you’re weighing up your options, reach out to our team for tailored advice and access to exclusive opportunities.
Ready to Buy Your Next Property?
At Crest Property Investments, we help investors source brand-new and off the plan properties across Australia, including many interstate and regional locations.
We take the time to understand your investment goals and provide personalised support – whether you’re buying around the corner or across the country.
Explore more free tips on our YouTube channel or dive into our Market Insights for helpful educational content.
If you’re ready to take the first step, contact us today. We’d love to help you build your property portfolio.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
Ocotber 2025
