Investing in the Center at Construction Stage: When It Makes Sense—and When It Doesn’t

Investing off‑plan in the city centre — quick overview ✅

Buying during construction can bring attractive entry prices and choice, but it also carries specific risks. The key is to balance potential upside with developer, legal and market risks.

Why investors consider off‑plan in central locations 📍

• Lower initial price compared with ready properties.
• Ability to pick preferred floor plan and orientation.
• Potential price appreciation as construction finishes and the area develops.
• Flexible payment options and staged payments offered by some developers.

Signs the investment is justified ✅

1. Clear track record of the developer and finished projects for inspection.
2. Official permits and publicly available project documentation.
3. Strong rental demand in the central location for long‑term or short‑term lets.
4. Secure payment structure such as escrow or bank guarantees and staged acceptance certificates.
5. Practical exit plan: resale, rental or personal use with realistic timelines.

When to say no — red flags ❗

• Missing or unclear permits and title documents.
• New developer with no completed portfolio and vague answers about funding.
• Long, undefined construction timelines without contractual penalties.
• Marketing promises about returns that lack market evidence.
• Signs of oversupply in the immediate area.

A fast due diligence checklist 🔍

• Ask for and review building permits, project plans and timelines.
• Visit other projects completed by the developer to assess build quality.
• Confirm payment and protection mechanisms: escrow accounts, bank guarantees, phased acceptance.
• Check local infrastructure: transport links, shops, medical facilities and schools.

Financial thinking and strategy 💡

• Treat off‑plan as a medium‑term investment: time to completion is key.
• Compare the off‑plan price with prices of similar completed units in the centre to assess the real discount.
• Keep a contingency buffer for delays and unexpected costs.
• Evaluate taxes, transfer fees and any legal obligations that affect net returns.

How to protect your investment — practical actions ✔️

• Have a qualified real estate lawyer review the purchase contract.
• Require contractual penalties for delays and clear conditions for transfer of ownership.
• Prefer payment through escrow and against documented completion stages.
• Get written specifications for finishes and communal areas.
• Keep a record of all communications and receipts for payments.

Exit strategies and usage options 🛠️

• Long‑term rental if central demand is stable.
• Short‑term rental if the city attracts visitors and regulations allow.
• Resale upon completion if market conditions support price growth.

Who this suits and who should avoid it

• Conservative buyers: seek projects with short timelines and bank guarantees.
• Opportunistic investors: may accept higher risk for potentially larger discounts.
• Homeowners planning to live there: verify materials and handover standards carefully.

Final takeaways 👇

Off‑plan central investments can be profitable when backed by transparent documentation, a reliable developer and secure payment mechanisms. If any critical point is unclear, delay the purchase or seek professional verification. Having a clear checklist and legal protection reduces the main risks.

If you need help evaluating a project or finding off‑plan opportunities in central locations, contact BuyHome. We will help you assess risks and find properties aligned with your goals.

Explore available listings and start your search here: https://buyhome.ge/en/search and https://buyhome.ge/en/apartments