When buying an off-plan property — whether a condo, villa, or townhouse — construction timelines can vary, but here’s what to realistically expect:
🏗️ Typical Construction Timelines
| Property Type | Average Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Condominium (mid/high-rise) | 24–36 months | Depends on scale, permits, and developer |
| Luxury villas | 12–18 months | Smaller projects may finish faster |
| Townhouses / low-rise | 8–16 months | Often completed in phases |
| Custom-built homes | 9–24 months | Depends on land readiness and design |
📊 Construction Timeline Breakdown
Below is a typical timeline for a mid-sized condo project:
| Stage | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Launch & pre-sale | 0–6 months | Off-plan units sold, permits processed |
| Land prep & foundation | 6–10 months | Ground cleared, pilings set |
| Structure build-up | 10–22 months | Concrete, plumbing, electrical go in |
| Internal work | 22–30 months | Tiling, ACs, bathrooms, wiring |
| Final fit-out & handover | 30–36 months | Units inspected, owners notified |
⚠️ Factors That May Delay Construction
- 🏢 Delays in permits or EIA approvals
- 🌧️ Weather conditions (especially rainy season)
- 💸 Cash flow issues from the developer
- 🚧 Material or labor shortages
- 🧱 Custom design changes (for villas)
🔑 What to Do as a Buyer
- Always ask for a detailed construction schedule
- Check for contract clauses about handover deadlines
- Look for penalties or guarantees for delays
- Visit the site (or request photo updates) every few months
