Ditto what everyone has said - the message is check, check and check and get proof of no debts etc.
We bought off plan on 2 occasions and on both occasions I am pleased to say all paperwork was in order, no debts came with the property (developer mortgage for example), all meters and utilities installed and certificate of habitation in place.
Lots of other people have bought off plan successfully and then again lots have bought unsuccessfully. It really is a lottery whatever you buy.
Corvera - we have an interest in a property there - the developer has our deposit but has no licence to build the property and no planning permission and of course there is an empty space full of weeds where the property should have been built and we are now in the middle of a costly and very lengthy battle to get the cash refunded (plus expenses).
So, again - check, check and check again.
Sandra