When is the best time to buy an apartment in a new development?

Is it better to buy an apartment while the foundations are still being laid, or wait until construction is complete and pay more for a finished home? Choosing the best time to buy an apartment in a new development comes down to three factors: your budget, how long you are prepared to wait, and the developer's reputation. This guide explores each construction stage, outlining its main benefits and potential risks.

At what construction stages can you buy an apartment?

Apartments in new residential developments are available for purchase at several stages of a project. The main options are:

• the initial sales launch, when excavation and foundation work begin;
• active construction, including the erection of the building's reinforced concrete frame;
• the final construction phase, with facade finishing and landscaping underway;
• a completed residential complex where buyers can arrange the ownership paperwork and move in relatively quickly.

Buying an apartment at the start of construction

Purchasing property at the beginning of a development has traditionally appealed to both investors and buyers looking to save money. Entering a project at this stage generally gives you access to the lowest price per square meter, but it also involves the longest wait before your apartment is ready.

What happens when apartment sales first open?

Early sales attract particular interest from investors and budget-conscious homebuyers. While excavation and foundation work are taking place, apartments at the foundation stage are typically offered at their lowest prices per square meter.

Buying at this point means securing a property before the building has taken its final physical shape, often while much of the development still exists only in plans and drawings.

Benefits of buying at an early construction stage

The main advantages of investing in a property early in its development include:

• access to the lowest apartment prices offered throughout the construction period;
• the widest choice of available floor plans, floors, and building sections;
• the opportunity to secure an apartment with attractive views at a more affordable price;
• strong potential for the property's value to increase as construction progresses.

Buying when sales first open allows you to secure a lower price per square meter and select a highly desirable apartment before demand intensifies and the most attractive options are taken.

What risks should you consider?

Before buying an off-plan apartment during the foundation stage, it is important to evaluate several potential drawbacks:

• a long waiting period before the building is officially completed and approved for occupancy;
• possible changes to the construction schedule due to technical or other objective reasons;
• limited opportunities to assess the actual living space, finishing quality, and engineering systems;
• the need to carefully examine construction permits and the developer's professional reputation.

Checking the developer's track record is one way to reduce these risks. If a company has delivered dozens of projects on schedule and holds all the required permits, purchasing at an early stage can become a carefully considered investment rather than an unnecessary gamble.

Buying an apartment during the middle of construction

Many buyers wondering when to buy an apartment in a new building find the middle of the construction process particularly appealing. This stage offers several important characteristics:

• the main structural and reinforced concrete works are largely complete, giving the building a more finished appearance;
• actual construction progress is visible, making it easier to judge the project's pace and reliability;
• the selection of available floor plans is smaller, although suitable apartments can still be found;
• prices have gradually risen compared with those offered at the initial sales launch.

This stage offers a practical compromise for buyers who do not want to take on the uncertainty of purchasing at the foundation stage and waiting several years, but would also prefer to avoid paying the full price of a completed apartment.

Buying an apartment near the end of construction

The final construction stage gives buyers considerably more certainty about their purchase. The building is almost complete, landscaping work is underway, and the expected date for receiving the keys is approaching and becoming more clearly defined.

The main benefits of purchasing at this point include:

• a high level of completion of internal engineering systems and exterior facades;
• a relatively short period before receiving the keys and registering property ownership;
• the opportunity to personally inspect the quality of communal areas and landscaped courtyards.

However, apartment prices at this stage are already close to those of completed properties, while the selection of available layouts is significantly more limited.

Buying an apartment in a completed residential complex

Once a building has been fully constructed and officially handed over, finding the lowest possible price becomes less important than reliability, comfort, and security. Buyers can inspect the finished property, assess its architectural design, landscaped courtyard, and finishing quality without worrying about further construction delays.

The main advantages of completed housing are convenience and predictability. You can see the building as it actually stands, evaluate the finishing of entrance halls and communal spaces, and inspect the surrounding grounds. The risks of construction being suspended or delayed are eliminated. This also makes it easier to plan renovations and relocation immediately, moving into a residential complex with an established community and functioning shops and commercial services.

The principal disadvantages are the highest price per square meter and a limited selection of available apartments.

How do apartment prices change during construction?

Apartment prices at different construction stages generally reflect how close a property is to completion. As a project moves from excavation and foundation work to its final finishing phase, the cost of purchasing an apartment tends to increase steadily.

Construction progress is not the only factor influencing prices. Market demand, the number of unsold apartments, and the characteristics of each unit also matter. These include its floor level, layout, and views.

Understanding how prices develop between the foundation stage and the official handover can help you determine whether buying an apartment during construction is the right financial decision for your circumstances.

How to choose the right stage of construction

If you are deciding when to buy an apartment in a new development, consider the following expert recommendations:

• If securing the lowest possible price is your priority, explore projects in their early stages, but allow enough time for construction to finish.
• If you have specific requirements for the layout and floor level, focus on apartments available when sales first launch.
• If you want to minimize construction-related risks, consider properties in the active or final stages of development.
• If you need to move into your new home as soon as possible, choose an apartment in a completed residential complex.

Carefully weighing these criteria will help you find a reasonable balance between affordability and security. The aim is to choose a property that meets your expectations without exposing you to unnecessary financial risks.

What should you check before reserving an apartment?

Even after deciding which construction stage suits you best, there are several essential details to verify before paying a reservation fee or signing an agreement:

• the complete set of construction permits and land-related documents;
• the developer's business reputation and history of successfully completed projects;
• the transparency of payment conditions and the legal validity of the contract;
• the selected apartment's specifications, floor level, and window orientation;
• transport accessibility and the quality of infrastructure in the surrounding neighborhood.

So, When Is the Best Time to Buy an Apartment?

Whichever construction stage you choose, the developer's reputation remains a decisive factor. The company behind the project is responsible for meeting construction deadlines, maintaining the quality of construction work and materials, and protecting the security of your investment. When considering properties from Murad Buildings or another developer, these are the factors that deserve particular attention.