Wow, that is scary. Here in the states, it is very uncommon for large-scale developers to build much of anything without a signed buyer. Sure, they'll build a few models and a few stock homes to "fluff-up" the appearance of the community, but to see an entire development put up with no signed buyers is financial suicide. This is obviously demonstrated in this article. The very thought of those beautiful communities being demolished is disturbing to say the least.
Well it is kind like this now in New England . There are sub divisions with 100 houses and maybe 5 occupied. Or renovated mills into 50 or 75 "condos" and 2 or 3 occupied. Even in downtown Providence.