Buying a pre-construction home in Greater Victoria is not just about securing a place to live. It can also be a strategic investment. One of the most common questions buyers ask is whether they can assign or sell their pre-construction contract before the home is completed.
The short answer is sometimes, but not always. Assignment rights vary widely by developer and project, and understanding the fine print is essential before you buy.
Below, we explain how assignments work, what restrictions to watch for, and how to determine whether a pre-sale project is truly assignment-friendly in today’s Victoria real estate market.
What Is an Assignment Sale?
An assignment sale allows the original buyer of a pre-construction home, known as the assignor, to sell their contract to a new buyer, known as the assignee, before the property is completed and registered.
Instead of selling the home itself, you are selling your right to purchase it under the original contract. Assignment sales are commonly used when market values have increased, life circumstances change, investors want to exit before completion, or buyers want to avoid final closing costs or long-term financing.
Do All Pre-Construction Developments Allow Assignments?
No, and this is where many buyers are caught off guard.
Some developments clearly allow assignments, while others prohibit them entirely or allow assignments only under strict conditions. These conditions may include requiring developer approval, limiting when an assignment can occur, or imposing additional fees.
Even within Greater Victoria, assignment rules can differ significantly from one project to another, which is why reviewing the contract details before purchasing is critical.
Common Assignment Restrictions to Know About
Before buying a pre-sale home, it is important to carefully review the Disclosure Statement and the Contract of Purchase and Sale. Common assignment-related restrictions include assignment fees, which may range from a few thousand dollars to a percentage of the purchase price.
Many developers also require written approval before an assignment can proceed, and approval is not always guaranteed. Some projects restrict how assignment listings can be marketed, such as limiting MLS exposure or public advertising. In certain cases, developers may include profit-sharing clauses that require a portion of the assignment profit to be paid to them.
Timing restrictions are also common, with assignments only allowed after construction reaches a certain stage or before a specific deadline.
Are Assignment-Friendly Projects Better Investments?
Often, assignment-friendly projects offer more flexibility, but that does not automatically mean they are more profitable.
Developments that allow assignments can provide investors with exit options before completion and added flexibility if market conditions change. However, appreciation depends on factors such as location, neighbourhood growth, pricing at launch, overall housing supply in Greater Victoria, and the project’s completion timeline.
This is why assignment rights should be evaluated alongside market fundamentals, not in isolation.
How We Help Clients Navigate Assignment Potential in Victoria
At Victoria New Homes Group, we do more than simply check whether assignments are allowed. We assess whether an assignment strategy actually makes sense for your goals.
We help clients identify developments with assignment-friendly terms, interpret disclosure statements and builder clauses, assess appreciation potential across different Victoria-area submarkets, and understand assignment-related costs, risks, and timelines.
Whether you are purchasing your first pre-construction home or building an investment portfolio, having clarity upfront can make a meaningful difference.
You may be able to assign your pre-construction contract before completion, but the answer always depends on the developer, the project, and the contract terms.
If assignment flexibility is important to you, it should be considered before you purchase, not after market conditions shift.
If you are unsure whether a pre-sale project in Greater Victoria is assignment-friendly, we can help you evaluate your options with confidence.
