Plan your exit before you buy

Most people plan the purchase carefully and leave the exit to later. I prefer to do it the other way round. If I can see how a property could be sold or rented in the future, I buy with more peace of mind.

The three paths

• Hold and live in it. You keep it as your own home, and value matters less than comfort.
• Hold and rent it out. The rent, less the costs of owning, becomes your return. See the article on gross and net yield.
• Sell it. Either after handover, or in some cases before, if the developer's rules allow.

You do not have to choose on day one. You do need to know which paths are open to you, and what each one costs.

Questions I would ask before buying

• Can I sell before handover? Some developers set conditions, such as how much has been paid, or their written permission. Ask for them in writing.
• What are the costs of selling, such as agent fees and transfer costs?
• Who is the likely buyer or tenant for this home, and what will they want in several years?
• How many similar homes will be completed nearby at the same time? More supply can mean more competition when you sell or rent.
• What is my plan if the market is slow when I want to sell? Could I hold and rent for another year?

The seven-year arc

I like to think in seven-year arcs, and sometimes five. The first years are for building. The next are for the community to settle and the rent to be earned. By year seven, we look again: if the market has turned in your favour, it may be a good time to consider selling. If not, we can wait. This is how I think, from experience. It is not a promise about any market.

For family offices and larger investors

Larger positions need a larger exit plan. I would write down, before buying, how long you intend to hold, in what circumstances you would sell, and what you would do if you could not sell for a year. Consider spreading entry and exit dates when you hold several units, so that you are not selling everything into the same market at the same time. A more liquid, well-located unit is usually easier to sell than a unique one. Take advice from your own financial and legal advisers on the plan.

My view

A property that has an easy way out is usually one you chose carefully on the way in. Think about the exit first, and the purchase becomes calmer.

If you would like to talk it through before you decide, you are welcome to contact me.

Every project has its own rules, so confirm them for yours. Checked on 24 October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm for your own purchase.