Top Questions to Ask at a Pre-Construction Sales Office

The sales team seems like really nice people. The brochures are glossy and full of promises. There’s the smell of fresh paint, polished kitchen counters, & perfectly staged furniture. Sounds mesmerizing, right?
Buying a pre-construction condo is a major commitment; a leap of faith into something that doesn’t exist yet. And the best place to ground yourself in reality? The sales office, aka the condo sales centre.

Here is where you’ll discover facts—not just renderings and fancy visualizations, but the fine print, the timelines, the developer’s track record, and all the costs that don’t always make it into the initial price tag.

I’m Jatin Gill, and I’ve laid out the top questions to ask at a condo sales centre that you should ask before signing anything in this guide. Ready? Let’s dive in—because asking the right questions today can lead to fewer regrets tomorrow.

Read: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Pre-Con Buyers

Questions About the Developer

Before falling in love with a floor plan or the promise of a rooftop pool, take a step back and ask: Who’s building this? Because a condo’s future depends heavily on the answer. Here are some essential topics to ask about:

• Developer’s track record: years in business, number of completed projects, overall experience
• Examples of completed projects: addresses, photos, style, quality
• Complaints or legal issues: delays, lawsuits, disputes
• Online reviews and homeowner feedback: insights from past buyers, forums
• Builder’s industry association membership: BILD or similar groups as a positive sign

A top-notch developer? They know your curiosity means you’re serious, that you’ve done your homework. And trust me, that’s the perfect way to kick things off!

Read: Top 14 Condo Developers in Toronto

Questions About the Project

When buying a pre-construction condo in Toronto or other cities, it’s easy to assume that what you see is exactly what you’ll get. But timelines shift. Features change. That rooftop lounge you love? It might be coming in Phase 2, long after you’ve moved in.

To avoid surprises, ask:

• What is the estimated completion date?  
• Are there any known or potential delays? 
• Have there been changes to the original plans? 
• What features and finishes come standard? What’s considered an upgrade? 
• Can I see and review the floor plan in detail? 

Questions About Pricing & Fees

When it comes to what to ask when buying pre-construction, price is a big one. Devil is in the details; pre-construction deals might seem like a steal at first, but those sneaky extra costs? They love to hide in the fine print, between lines, waiting to surprise you!

One price doesn’t always mean one price.

Make sure to ask about these:

• Purchase price inclusions: parking, locker, appliances, & limited-time incentives
• Additional fees & closing costs: development charges, levies, HST, & legal fees
• Deposit structure: payment schedule, & extended deposit plans
• Current incentives and promotions: free upgrades, capped fees, cash-back offers, & unit or timeline limits
• HST status: included in price or added separately, & especially important for end-users

Asking about pre-construction condo costs doesn’t make you fussy—it makes you informed. The more you understand upfront, the easier it is to plan your finances and avoid sticker shock later.

Read: Pre-Construction Condo Incentives & Promotions

Questions About Condo Fees & Maintenance

So, you’ve got your mortgage and down payment all figured out—nice work! But hold up, don’t forget about those monthly maintenance fees. They’re a big piece of the puzzle for your long-term budget. Fees differ wildly between buildings, and getting the scoop on what they include (or skip) can save you from some serious surprises.

It’s like paying for a subscription. You want to know what’s included.

Be sure to ask these pre-con condo questions:

• What is the estimated monthly maintenance fee? This is usually based on the square footage of your unit. Even a small difference in rate can impact your budget over time.
• What do the condo fees cover? Does it include water? Heat? Building insurance? Garbage collection? Find out what’s covered.
• Are there amenities included in the fees? If you’re excited about the gym, party room, or rooftop lounge, make sure those are factored into the fee (and not extra).
• Are there any planned increases after occupancy? It’s common for fees to go up after the first year. Ask for projections so you’re not caught off guard down the road.
• Is there a reserve fund contribution built into the fees? A healthy reserve fund helps cover future repairs and upkeep. It’s a sign of responsible budgeting by the condo corporation.

Condo maintenance fees aren’t just a line item, they shape the overall experience of living in the building. The more you understand them now, the fewer surprises later.

Read: Your Guide to Condo Maintenance Fees

Questions About Assignments & Resale

Life happens. Maybe you get a job in another city, or your plans change before the building is even complete. That’s where the assignment sale comes in—selling your unit before the final closing. But here’s the catch: not every project makes this easy.

If you think there’s even a chance you might need to sell before move-in, you’ll want to get clear answers.

Ask these key questions:

• Is assignment allowed? If so, under what conditions? Some developers permit it, some restrict it, and others charge hefty fees. 
• Are there assignment fees? Assignment fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Ask for the exact number—don’t leave it vague.
• When can an assignment be listed? In some projects, you can list as soon as you’ve signed your contract. Others make you wait until a certain construction milestone is reached.
• Are there resale restrictions before final closing? Some contracts don’t allow public marketing or MLS listings. Knowing these limits will help you plan your exit strategy if needed.
• Will the developer need to approve the new buyer? Most assignments need developer approval. Ask how long that takes and if there are any conditions attached.
  

Assignments aren’t always Plan A, but they’re a helpful Plan B. Understanding the fine print now means you won’t be scrambling later if things change.

Read: Comprehensive Guide to Assignment Sales in Ontario’s Real Estate

Questions About the Building & Amenities

Let’s face it—amenities can be a huge draw. A rooftop terrace, yoga studio, co-working space… it all sounds great. But when do these actually get built? And who takes care of them?

It’s easy to be wowed by the renderings in the sales office. But behind the glossy images, you’ll want solid answers.

Ask about:

• Amenities included: gym, party room, BBQ area, concierge, visitor parking, full list
• Amenities completion: completion date by move-in or delayed post-occupancy
• Access restrictions: certain floors or unit types only
• Maintenance and management: responsible parties and funding
• Rules and booking systems: restrictions or wait times for popular spaces

Amenities can boost your lifestyle and your unit’s value—but only if they’re delivered as promised and taken care of properly.

Questions About the Surrounding Area & Zoning

You’re not just buying a unit. You’re buying into a neighbourhood, too. What’s outside can matter just as much as what’s inside.

That beautiful view? It could be blocked by another tower in two years. That quiet street? It might be zoned for a shopping plaza.

Ask questions like:

• What’s planned for the surrounding area? New schools, parks, transit, retail, restaurants, future lifestyle impact, etc.
• Are there any upcoming developments nearby? Possible high-rises, construction zones, city planning pipeline
• Could future construction affect my view, sunlight, or privacy? Zoning status, nearby lot applications, long-term changes
• Are there any zoning changes expected in this area? Bylaw shifts, density increases, traffic, walkability effects
• How accessible is transit now, and how will that change?
  Current access, future stations, LRT plans, resale impact

Questions About the Contract & Legal Matters

Stepping into a showroom isn’t just about a friendly chat. You’re signing a legal contract, not just exchanging smiles. That Pre-Construction Agreement of Purchase and Sale? It’s binding, and if anything shifts on your side, there could be real consequences waiting.

Don’t rush this part. This is where a few smart questions can save you a lot of stress down the road.

Here are the topics to ask about:

• The possibility of bringing your own agent or lawyer: Strongly recommended for spotting red flags & getting unbiased advice.
• Cooling-off period: Typically 10 days in Ontario—review & cancel without penalty.
• Changing your mind after cooling off: Understand exit options & potential costs.
• Financing issues: Check if the contract includes financing conditions & what happens if approval falls through.
• Delays or cancellations: Review clauses on timeline changes & your rights if the project is delayed or cancelled.
• Cap on development or closing costs: Ask if there’s a limit on what you’ll be expected to pay when it’s time to finalize the deal.

Pre-construction contracts can be long and full of legal terms. Don’t just skim. Ask questions, get clarity, and always keep your future self in mind.

Read: Understanding the Pre-Construction Agreement of Purchase and Sale

Bonus: Tips for Your Visit

Visiting a pre-construction sales office can feel like a lot, shiny models, brochures, & eager reps all vying for your attention. Exciting but intense! With a bit of prep, though, you can walk in ready to cut through the hype and get the real answers you need.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Use your phone to take notes & photos.
• No pressure to decide on the spot
• Written confirmation for verbal promises
• Consider bringing a real estate agent or lawyer who specializes in pre-construction.
• Comparison of multiple projects
• Ask Questions—big, small, or obvious

Bottom Line

Buying a pre-construction condo is a big deal—it could mean years of happy living or, if you’re not careful, some nasty surprises. Preparation is everything here. Ask tough questions and make a smart choice. Ask now, avoid stress later. Take it slow, do your research, & get it right.

And if you want expert guidance every step of the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to Platinum Condo Deals. We know the market inside and out and can help you navigate the process with confidence & ease.