9 Smart Questions to Ask Before Buying an Off-the-Plan Townhouse

Thinking about buying an off-the-plan townhouse at Fletcher’s Slip? Here we explore 10 ‘outside-the-box’ questions to ask when buying - ones that help assess whether the townhouse is truly right for you.

Buying a townhouse, especially off-the-plan, often feels straightforward… until you’re in the sales centre, nodding along as the salesperson points out the beautiful finishes and harbourside location.

But inside? You're thinking, “Is this really the right fit for me?”

Sound familiar?

If you’ve found yourself Googling “what should I ask a real estate agent before buying a home?”, you’re definitely not alone.

Because when it comes to buying property, especially new or off-the-plan, most first home buyers, upsizers, downsizers and new investors all share the same worry: making a (potentially expensive) mistake.

The good news is you don’t need to be a property expert to avoid one.

You just need to ask smarter questions.

Sure, the usual ones like “Can I negotiate?” or “How close is it to the CBD?” are important.

But going a little deeper gives you a clearer picture of how well a home suits you now and into the future.

When you dig deeper, you uncover far more useful information that genuinely matters.

And better insight = better decisions.

So, let’s take a look at 9 smarter questions to ask when considering a new townhouse at Fletcher’s Slip, or any off-the-plan home.

1. Who lives in the area?

2. What's likely to need attention in the next decade?

3. What comes with the townhouse?

4. What will it cost me to own every month?

5. How strong is rental demand?

6. What government support might I qualify for?

7. What's the actual timeline?

8. What happens after I sign a contract?

9. Can you point me toward the professionals I'll need?

1. Who Lives in the Area?

Before getting too excited about finishes and floorplans, step back and ask who this home was actually designed for.

Every suburb has its own demographic.

Some are packed with young families and tricycles on footpaths. Others attract professionals who want low maintenance. Some are full of retirees who've downsized but preferred to stay in their community.

Fletcher’s Slip attracts a mix of young professionals, first-home buyers, growing families, downsizers, investors and long-time locals who love the Port’s charm but want something fresh and low-maintenance.

Ask the Sales Consultant who typically buys in the development and why. If their answer sounds like people just like you, you’re probably in the right place.

2. What's Likely to Need Attention in the Next Decade?

This question moves you past the pretty ‘first impression’ stuff and into the practical reality of homeownership - because, let’s face it, every home needs maintenance eventually.

New homes, especially turnkey ones, generally have fewer surprises than established properties. At Fletcher’s Slip, you’re buying a home built to modern standards, with warranties, new appliances, and energy-efficient materials already in place.

So, instead of budgeting for plumbing issues or electrical upgrades, you can focus on furniture, weekends at Semaphore Beach, and enjoying your home, not fixing it.

3. What Comes With the Townhouse?

This might sound obvious but you’d be surprised what’s considered optional in an established property (like blinds, light fittings, or appliances).

With an off-the-plan townhouse at Fletcher’s Slip, you get a full list of what’s included, and it’s part of your contract, so there’s no guesswork about what’s included. Better still, Fletcher’s Slip also offers a selection of optional upgrades, so if something isn’t part of the standard inclusions but is important to you, it may be available as an upgrade.

Still, it’s smart to be specific, ask about everything from air conditioning to appliances, flooring, tapware and joinery. And if you have your eye on something extra, ask whether it's available as an upgrade.

4. What Will This Home Actually Cost Me Every Month?

Remember, your mortgage is just one part of the monthly equation. Add to that your council rates, insurance, utility bills, and general upkeep. Add it all up. That's your real monthly cost of ownership.

That’s why this question is so important.

The good news? Fletcher’s Slip townhouses are designed for energy efficiency and low maintenance, so long-term costs are often more predictable, and lower, than older properties.

Being walking distance to the beach, train, and Semaphore Road could also save you money on petrol and parking.

5. How Strong Is Rental Demand Here?

Even if you're planning to live in the home yourself, this question matters. Life changes, and you may need to rent your home out down the track.

Port Adelaide and surrounding suburbs are consistently in demand thanks to their proximity to the CBD, growing dining scene, and coastal lifestyle appeal.

So it’s smart to ask a local real estate agent how quickly similar homes rent for in the area, what they achieve per week and who the typical tenants are.

Strong rental demand gives you options and financial flexibility when circumstances change.

For investors, obviously this one's critical. But honestly? It's useful information for everyone.

6. What Government Support Might I Qualify For?

It takes thirty seconds to ask this question, but could save you $15,000 or more.

While agents aren’t financial advisers - and they’ll always recommend seeking independent advice - they will know which government grants and schemes are eligible for an off-the-plan townhouse.

At Fletcher’s Slip, that includes things like:

• The $15,000 First Homeowner Grant for eligible new homes (no property value cap on contracts from June 2024 onwards)
• Stamp duty concessions for first-home buyers purchasing new properties

The key to understanding what you’re eligible for depends on knowing whether the type of property you're looking at might qualify.

It’s worth knowing what’s out there, so you can go armed with this general information when speaking with your mortgage broker or bank who can give you a more detailed breakdown.

7. What's the Actual Timeline, and What Could Delay It?

Off-the-plan townhouses usually take longer to settle than existing homes, that’s because you're often purchasing before or during the construction phase.

It’s important to ask when construction is expected to finish, what factors might impact that timeline, and how you’ll be kept updated along the way.

Build timeframes can shift due to factors like weather, council approvals, material supply or trade availability, this is completely normal in the construction process. The good news? At Fletcher’s Slip, our dedicated customer service team will keep you informed at every stage.

8. What Happens After I Sign a Contract, and What Support Will I Receive Post-Settlement?

Most buyers are so focused on getting to settlement that they forget to ask what happens once they sign a contract.

Start by asking questions that clarify the immediate next steps.

Ask about the cooling-off period in SA, the process for progress updates, and what support is available post-settlement.

In South Australia, you have a two-day cooling-off period after you receive a Form 1 - that's your opportunity to back out if you need to.

With established homes, buyers are often left to manage everything on their own once settlement occurs. But when purchasing a Fletcher’s Slip townhouse, Cedar Woods and/or the builder provides a structured handover process and a 90-day defect period, so you have support if anything needs attention once you’ve moved in.

9. Can You Recommend Trusted Professionals?

If this is your first time buying, finding a mortgage broker or conveyancer can feel overwhelming.

So to help cut through the noise, why not ask the agent who they see most buyers working with.

While they can’t give legal advice, they’ll often know which professionals are experienced with off-the-plan contracts.

You’ll still need to do your own research and get multiple quotes. But starting with a few names that other buyers have had success with is a clever move.

So, What Should You Actually Do With These Questions?

You don’t have to fire off all nine in one go.
Just choose the ones most relevant to where you are in your journey.

Jot down the answers and follow up anything important by email so you've got it documented.

At Fletcher’s Slip, we welcome your questions. Buying a new home is a huge decision, and we’re here to help you make it with clarity, confidence and support.

We know that buying a new home can feel overwhelming at first.

That's normal - it's a complex process with big money involved, and most people only do it a few times in their entire life.

But we also know that people who ask the right questions when buying don't just make better decisions. They make confident decisions.

Again, you’re not trying to become a property expert overnight, but it’s important to understand that every property comes with compromises.

The trick is figuring out the compromises you can actually live with, and which property is going to best support your budget, family, timeline and lifestyle by asking relevant questions before committing.

Thinking about a Fletcher’s Slip townhouse?

We’re happy to talk you through every step, from timing and inclusions to what makes Fletcher’s Slip location and design so unique.

Visit our Sales Centre at the corner of Semaphore Road & Jenkins Street, New Port or head to our Townhouses for Sale page to explore current availability.