Assignment sales are becoming increasingly common in British Columbia, especially in new condominium developments across growing communities like Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley. However, many buyers and investors are still unclear about what an assignment actually is, and when it is allowed.

This guide breaks down what assignment sales mean, how they work, and the key restrictions you need to be aware of before buying or selling.

What Is an Assignment Sale?

An assignment sale occurs when the original buyer of a pre-construction property sells their purchase contract to another buyer before the home is completed and officially transferred.

In simple terms:

• Buyer A signs a contract with a developer

• Before completion, Buyer A sells that contract to Buyer B

• Buyer B takes over the contract and completes the purchase later

The original buyer is essentially “assigning” their rights and obligations under the contract to a new buyer.

Assignment sales are most common in:

• Pre-construction condos

• New townhouse developments

• Occasionally in newer developments still under contract period

Can All Real Estate Be Assigned?

No — not all real estate in British Columbia can be assigned.

Assignment rights depend entirely on the original purchase contract signed with the developer.

There are three common scenarios:

3. Assignments Allowed Freely (Rare)

In some contracts:

• Assignments are allowed without prior approval

• There may still be administrative fees

• Disclosure requirements still apply

These are less common in newer developments.

Why Assignments Exist

Assignment sales typically happen for a few reasons:

• Buyer’s financial situation changes

• Investor profit before completion

• Market value increases during construction

• Change in personal circumstances (relocation, family changes, etc.)

They provide flexibility in a long pre-construction timeline, which can sometimes take 2–5 years.

Risks and Considerations

While assignments can create opportunities, they also come with risks:

• Developer approval requirements may delay the process

• Assignment fees can reduce profit margins

• GST implications may apply depending on structure

• Mortgage financing is not always straightforward

• Contracts are complex and require careful review

Because of this, assignments should always be reviewed with an experienced real estate professional before proceeding.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

Assignment contracts are more complex than standard resale transactions. Every developer has different rules, and misunderstanding them can lead to costly mistakes.

Working with experienced agents helps ensure:

• The assignment is permitted under contract

• Developer requirements are met

• Pricing is aligned with current market conditions

• Proper documentation is completed

At BC Prime Real Estate Group, our team regularly assists buyers and sellers with assignment transactions across Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, and surrounding areas, ensuring clients understand every step of the process.

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About The Anna Litvak Joseph Team — BC Prime Realty

The Anna Litvak Joseph Team at BC Prime Realty — BC Prime Real Estate Group — is one of Greater Vancouver's most trusted and established real estate teams, serving clients across Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, Fraser Valley, Kelowna, and the surrounding region.

Anna Litvak Joseph is a licensed REALTOR® with over 15 years of sales and entrepreneurship experience, dedicated to delivering exceptional service, expert advice, and outstanding results in every real estate transaction. Her client-centric approach is the cornerstone of her business philosophy — building meaningful relationships from the very first conversation and supporting clients throughout their entire real estate journey. A consistent Medallion Club Member every year from 2018 through 2025, Anna consistently ranks among the top 10% of real estate agents in Greater Vancouver. Her reputation is built on results — reflected in numerous 5-star testimonials and recurring features in publications including Vancouver Excellence in Real Estate and Top Agent Magazine. The majority of Anna's business today comes from referrals and repeat clients, which speaks to the trust and lasting relationships she has built over the years.

The Anna Litvak Joseph Team has grown into a full-service, trusted brand recognized for serving thousands of satisfied buyers and sellers across Greater Vancouver and beyond. The team has earned the prestigious Medallion Club award collectively from 2020 through 2025 — placing them among the top 10% of real estate teams in Greater Vancouver. The team includes Tal Joseph, Realtor, and Natalie Haikin, Realtor, offering multilingual service in English, Russian, and Ukrainian — making them the leading Russian speaking and Ukrainian realtor team in British Columbia. Diversity, integrity, and genuine passion for real estate excellence are at the heart of everything this team does.

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