Reservation fee
An initial amount used to reserve a specific unit or property under stated terms. Before paying, identify whether it is refundable, what document governs it, what deadlines follow and what happens if financing or documentation changes.
Equity / down payment
The portion of the purchase price paid before the financed or final balance. Marketing schedules may divide this into monthly installments, so buyers should still calculate the total cash required and timing of the remaining balance.
Preselling
A property offered before completion. Buyers typically accept construction and delivery timing in exchange for access to earlier-stage inventory or payment structures. Compare it with ready-for-occupancy property.
RFO / Ready for Occupancy
A completed or substantially completed property positioned for near-term occupancy, subject to the developer's turnover process and the buyer's payment and documentation requirements.
TCP / Total Contract Price
A quoted contract amount. Buyers should ask exactly what is included and which taxes, fees, financing costs, association charges, transfer expenses or other amounts sit outside it. Use the full property budget framework.
License to Sell
A regulatory document relevant to covered subdivision and condominium projects. Verification should be project-specific; see the License to Sell verification guide.
TCT / Transfer Certificate of Title
A land-title record used in registered land transactions. Title verification is not the same as relying on a photocopy or sales statement; see the title verification guide.
CCT / Condominium Certificate of Title
The title record associated with a condominium unit under the condominium ownership structure.
Association dues
Recurring charges used for common-area operations and building or community management. Ask for the current basis, what it covers and whether other recurring assessments may apply.
Turnover
The process through which a completed property is inspected, documented and accepted for possession under the applicable purchase and developer procedures. Use the turnover checklist.
Rental yield
A relationship between rental income and property cost. A headline percentage is not enough: vacancy, dues, management, repairs, furnishing and acquisition cost can materially change the result. See the rental-yield framework.