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TL;DR Buying off-the-plan at Glenside means purchasing an apartment before it's built, based on architectural plans and a contract with a developer. You’ll pay a deposit now (typically 10%), continue saving while it's being constructed, and then settle when complete. It's popular with first-home buyers accessing federal and SA government housing grants, investors looking for new builds and downsizers seeking low-maintenance homes. |
Buying an apartment you can’t even walk through yet sounds a bit wild.
You’re signing a contract, handing over a deposit and committing to a home that only exists as concept drawings and 3D images.
At some point, most buyers end up asking is ‘off-the-plan’ a safe way to buy?’ and ‘what does "off-the-plan" mean anyway?’
Once you understand the process, it becomes far less intimidating. Of course, like any property purchase, there are risks - but they're easily managed with the right preparation.
It's simply a structured way to secure a brand-new apartment ahead of time - and for many buyers in Adelaide, it's becoming a practical path to homeownership.
At Glenside, buying off-the-plan means you’re purchasing your future apartment based on detailed architectural drawings, floorplans, and a carefully prepared inclusions list. While you may not be able to walk through the finished space yet, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect, down to the finishes, appliances, and outlook.
Each apartment is crafted to maximise natural light and views across Glenside’s heritage buildings, lush parklands, or the city skyline. You’ll secure your chosen home upfront, with peace of mind knowing that what you see in your contract is what you’ll get at completion.
Now that you understand what it means, let's look at the reasons different buyers are drawn to ‘off-the-plan’ apartments at Glenside.
First-home buyers often like the timing.
You pay a deposit now, then have the build period to keep saving rather than needing the full purchase amount upfront. Because you're buying new, you can access South Australian government support designed specifically for new builds.
For instance, eligible first-home buyers can apply to receive a $15,000 First Homeowner Grant for new homes, plus stamp duty exemptions. This extra financial breathing room can make all the difference between stretching your budget too far or buying comfortably.
Plus, Glenside’s proximity to the CBD, walking trails, cafes and top schools makes it a smart investment in both lifestyle and value.
Downsizers are drawn to Glenside’s low-maintenance living.
After decades of maintaining a large family home, the idea of a brand-new, low-maintenance apartment in a walkable, beautifully landscaped community is incredibly appealing. Buying ‘off-the-plan’ lets you secure that easier lifestyle now, rather than pouring money into renovating an older property that still requires constant repairs and attention. At Glenside, you’ll enjoy true lock-up-and-leave freedom, with cafes, shops, parklands and everyday essentials just moments from your door.
Investors see different advantages.
Glenside’s brand-new, architecturally designed apartments are a strong drawcard for tenants seeking quality and convenience. With spacious modern layouts, generous storage, energy-efficient features, and high-end appliances, they offer the ease of low-maintenance living in a highly walkable, lifestyle-rich suburb, something older properties simply can’t match.
There are also potential tax benefits around depreciation of new fixtures and fittings once the property is income-producing, though you'll need an accountant to walk you through those specifics.
Buying ‘off-the-plan’ involves more documentation than buying an established home, but it's all there for a reason.
First up, you'll get a contract of sale that spells out the price, key dates and any conditions. You'll also receive Form 1 - the vendor's statement disclosing important information about the property and title.
Then there are the architectural drawings and that detailed inclusions list showing exactly what your home will look like, what finishes you're getting and what fixtures are included.
It sounds like a lot of paperwork… because it is.
But it’s actually working in your favour. Everything's documented so there's no room for confusion later.
Plus, you won't be navigating this alone. Your mortgage broker or lender will figure out what you can comfortably afford and sort out your finance.
Your conveyancer or solicitor will review the contract and Form 1, to make sure everything is covered from a legal standpoint.
And finally, our Glenside Sales Consultant will walk you through floorplans, show you which apartments are available and answer questions about the development.
Once you know who's handling every part of the process, it becomes far less overwhelming.
With that context in mind, here's how the ‘off-the-plan’ apartment purchase typically unfolds, broken down into simple steps so you’ll know what to expect.
Before you begin browsing floorplans, sit down with a broker or your bank.
Find out what you can borrow, including how much deposit you need and how your finances will look at settlement in 12–18 months’ time. A good broker will stress-test your numbers against potential interest rate rises, and help you understand how your savings can continue to grow during construction.
Getting this right at the start saves you from falling in love with a home you can't actually afford.
Once your budget is set, you can focus on where you want to live or invest.
Explore our apartment options with our sales team at the Glenisde Sales Centre located at 220 Fullarton Road, Glenside. You’ll be able to view detailed floorplans, 3D models, finishes, available apartments and pricing. With various one, two, and three-bedroom layouts, there’s something to suit every lifestyle.
Choose based on layout, level, orientation, and views, whether it's leafy outlooks to the Plane tree-lined boulevards or peaceful sunrises over the Adelaide Hills. Each apartment is designed to maximise liveability, storage and natural light.
Once you've picked a specific apartment, you'll receive the contract, Form 1 and a specifications list. Have your conveyancer or solicitor walk through everything with you - that's what they're there for.
They'll explain the…
If something doesn't make sense, keep asking questions until it does - there are no stupid questions when you're about to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In SA, buyers typically get a cooling-off period starting when Form 1 is served. It runs for two clear business days, excluding the day Form 1 is served, weekends and public holidays.
Put simply, this window gives you a final chance to walk away if something doesn't sit right, or new information comes to light. It's also when you confirm final details with your adviser and lender before the contract becomes unconditional.
Our biggest tip? Don't waste this time - use it to make absolutely sure you're comfortable with what you've signed.
Once you're satisfied, it’s time to sign the contract and pay the deposit (usually 10%) to secure your property.
The amount and timing are spelled out clearly in the contract. Your broker will then complete formal finance approval using the signed contract and your updated financial details.
From this point on, you're committed to the purchase, subject to any remaining conditions.
After contracts go unconditional, focus shifts to the building site.
Construction starts or continues, and you’ll receive regular construction updates including photos from Cedar Woods as your apartment comes to life.
Build timeframes can shift due to approvals, weather, trade availability and materials. This is normal in construction, and our customer service team will keep you informed every step of the way.
Your job during this phase is to keep your savings plan on track and stay connected with your broker so you're ready when the settlement date approaches.
As completion nears, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through your apartment prior to settlement.
This is your first chance to experience the space in person, see how the rooms flow, take in the natural light, and start imagining everyday life in your new Glenside apartment.
It’s also a great time to bring a tape measure to plan furniture layouts, check that key pieces will fit, and get a feel for how each area will be used.
Ask questions and make note of anything you’d like clarified, so you can head into settlement feeling comfortable, confident, and excited about what’s ahead.
On settlement day, your lender pays the remaining funds, and the title transfers into your name.
Your conveyancer confirms when everything's gone through and Cedar Woods will give you a call to organise a time to pick up the keys. Then it's a matter of connecting utilities, coordinating removalists and navigating a very busy weekend!
For investors, your property manager can take over from here - advertising, screening tenants and starting leases.
For owner-occupiers, the waiting ends and life in your new home begins!
While all property purchases carry some risk, buying off-the-plan at Glenside offers rare peace of mind:
Plus, our sales team is based onsite and ready to guide you through every step!
If you:
Then buying off-the-plan at Glenside could be the smartest move you make.
Check out our Apartment for Sale page.
Visit us at the Glenside Sales & Information Centre.
📍 220 Fullarton Road (Cnr Mulberry Road), Glenside
Or give us a call on 0498 006 228.
We can walk you through available apartments, finishes, floorplans and timelines so you can make an informed decision sooner!