The standard sequence
- Reservation — small deposit (1–5%) takes the property off market.
- Due diligence — lawyer checks title, planning and debts.
- Preliminary contract — 10–30% deposit, terms locked.
- Final deed / completion — balance paid, title transferred at the notary/land registry.
- Registration — your name on the official title register.
Timeline
From reservation to title typically takes 4–12 weeks for resale, and the construction period plus 4–8 weeks for off-plan.
What can go wrong
- Hidden debts attached to the property
- Wrong square-meterage on the deed
- Developer delays without penalty clauses
- Funds stuck in transfer because of compliance checks
Insist on penalty clauses for late delivery, and never release final payment until you hold the registered title.
Key takeaways
- Reservation → DD → Preliminary → Completion → Registration.
- Never release final payment without registered title.
- Insist on late-delivery penalty clauses for off-plan.
- Verify the deeded m² matches the marketed m².
- Allow 4–12 weeks from reservation for resale.
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