If you’ve seen billboards or newspapers inserts advertising real estate projects in Vancouver you may have noticed the strange disclaimer “This is not an offering for sale”. Seems odd to spend a bunch of money advertising something you’re not offering for sale doesn’t it? Why is this line of text omnipresent in presale advertisements?
Its all thanks to the Real Estate Developement Act which governs the marketing in British Columbia of development properties located anywhere in the world. The act limits marketing of projects without full disclosure but allows early marketing if the developer has obtained “approval in principle to construct or otherwise create the development unit from the appropriate municipal or other government authority” and “the superintendents permission to begin marketing”.
So in essence the act removes the right to advertise a condo or apartment before all the paperwork is in order, but then gives that right back as long as you assure people that this advertisement is not offering to sell you anything.