Question 1

Sustainable Development

Accepted Answer

Our developer partners prioritize sustainability in their design briefs. This includes energy-efficient appliances, double glazing, solar integration, and water-saving measures—reducing your carbon footprint and ongoing utility bills.

Question 2

Settlement Handover

Accepted Answer

Once the Plan of Subdivision is registered and the Occupancy Permit is issued, settlement is called. On settlement day, once funds have been transferred, you will be met at the property to receive your keys and a handover pack containing all manuals, warranties, and access fobs.

Question 3

When do I pay the balance?

Accepted Answer

The balance of the purchase price (90%) is not due until the project is completed and settlement is called. This typically gives you 12-24 months to save further funds while your property potentially grows in value.

Question 4

Downsizer Super Contribution

Accepted Answer

If you are over 55 and sell your family home (owned for 10+ years), you may be able to contribute up to $300,000 ($600,000 per couple) into superannuation from the sale proceeds. This is a non-concessional contribution and is a tax-effective way to boost your retirement savings.

Question 5

Depreciation Benefits

Accepted Answer

New properties offer the highest depreciation benefits. As an investor, you can claim tax deductions for the decline in value of the building structure (capital works) and the plant and equipment (ovens, carpets, blinds). A Quantity Surveyor report can help maximize these deductions.

Question 6

Property Management

Accepted Answer

Barta Property offers a specialized leasing service for our off-the-plan purchasers. We can begin marketing your property for rent prior to settlement, minimizing vacancy periods. We also have access to high-quality corporate tenants and relocation agents.

Question 7

Compliance with Standards

Accepted Answer

All our projects comply with modern BADS (Better Apartment Design Standards). This ensures your new home meets strict criteria for natural light, ventilation, room depth, and accessibility, guaranteeing a high quality of living.

Question 8

Pre-Settlement Inspection

Accepted Answer

Approximately 2-3 weeks before settlement, you will be invited effectively to inspect your new home. This is your opportunity to identify any cosmetic defects or finishes that need attention before you move in.

Question 9

Stamp Duty Concessions

Accepted Answer

The Victorian State Government has introduced significant off-the-plan stamp duty concessions. For eligible contracts entered into on or after 21 October 2024, you may be eligible for an uncapped stamp duty concession, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars. This applies to owner-occupiers and investors alike. We recommend speaking to your conveyancer to confirm eligibility.

Question 10

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

Accepted Answer

If you are buying your first home and it is valued up to $750,000, you may be eligible for the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant. In regional Victoria, this grant increases to $20,000. This is in addition to any applicable stamp duty exemptions or concessions.

Question 11

What is a User-Pays System?

Accepted Answer

Modern owners corporations often utilize a user-pays system for utilities. Embedded networks for electricity and gas can offer bulk-buying power, resulting in lower rates for residents compared to standard retail connection fees.

Question 12

Can I bring my pet?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Recent changes to Victorian tenancy and strata laws mean that Owners Corporations cannot unreasonably ban pets. Most projects are very pet-friendly, though we always recommend checking the specific rules for your building regarding common areas.

Question 13

Foreign Purchasers

Accepted Answer

Foreign non-residents can purchase new off-the-plan dwellings, subject to FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) approval. While foreign buyer surcharges apply, there are often no restrictions on the number of new dwellings a foreign investor can buy.

Question 14

How much deposit do I need?

Accepted Answer

Generally, 20% is ideal to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). However, many lenders accept deposits as low as 5-10% with LMI, or even less with a guarantor.

Question 15

What is my borrowing capacity?

Accepted Answer

Your borrowing capacity depends on income, expenses, liabilities, and the lender’s assessment rate. Use our calculators for an estimate, or contact us for a precise assessment.

Question 16

Fixed vs Variable rates?

Accepted Answer

Fixed rates offer certainty of repayments for a set term, while variable rates offer flexibility and features like offset accounts. We can help you structure a loan that may include both.

Question 17

Why buy off-the-plan?

Accepted Answer

Buying off-the-plan means purchasing a property before it has been completed. This allows you to secure a high-quality property at today’s price, often providing significant capital growth by the time settlement occurs. You also benefit from brand new construction, modern energy efficiency standards, and meaningful stamp duty savings in many cases.

Question 18

Long-Term Peace of Mind

Accepted Answer

All Barta Property projects come with a mandatory maintenance period (defect liability period), typically 12 months. This ensures that any minor settling issues or defects are rectified by the builder at no cost to you, providing a worry-free transition into your new home.

Question 19

Transparent Pricing

Accepted Answer

All our off-the-plan residences are sold at a fixed price. Unlike auctions where the final price is uncertain, you know exactly what you are paying from day one. Recent sales within the development also provide social proof that the price aligns with market value.

Question 20

How do I secure a property?

Accepted Answer

Securing your preferred residence involves signing a Contract of Sale and paying an initial holding deposit (typically $2,000 - $5,000). The balance of the 10% deposit is then payable upon the unconditional exchange of contracts, usually within 7-14 days.

Question 21

What happens during construction?

Accepted Answer

We will keep you updated with regular progress reports and photos, typically on a quarterly basis. As the building takes shape, you will be invited to view the progress where safe and practicable.

Question 22

Variations and Customization

Accepted Answer

If you purchase early enough in the construction cycle, you may have the opportunity to customize your residence. This can include merging apartments, changing floor finishes, or upgrading appliances. All variations are subject to builder approval and construction timelines.

Question 23

When should I sell my family home?

Accepted Answer

Many downsizers choose to sell their family home closer to the completion of their new apartment. This allows you to stay in your current home for longer and time the market. Alternatively, selling earlier and renting briefly can release equity and remove the stress of a simultaneous settlement.

Question 24

Rental Guarantees

Accepted Answer

Some projects offer a Rental Guarantee, where the developer or a management company guarantees a specific rental income for a set period (e.g., 5% for 2 years). This provides certainty of cash flow from day one, even if the property is temporarily vacant.

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