IFRS 15

Minco is a major property developer which buys land for the construction of housing. One aspect of its business is to provide low-cost homes through the establishment of a separate entity, known as a housing association.Minco purchases land and transfers ownership to the housing association before construction starts. Minco sells rights to occupy the housing units to members of the public but the housing association is the legal owner of the building. The housing association enters into loan agreements with the bank to cover the costs of building the homes. However, Minco negotiates and acts as guarantor for the loan, and bears the risk of increases in the loan’s interest rate above a specified rate. Currently, the housing rights are normally all sold out on the completion of a project.

Minco enters into discussions with a housing contractor regarding the construction of the housing units but the agreement is between the housing association and the contractor. Minco is responsible for any construction costs in excess of the amount stated in the contract and is responsible for paying the maintenance costs for any units not sold. Minco sets up the board of the housing association, which comprises one person representing Minco and two independent board members.

Minco recognises income for the entire project when the land is transferred to the housing association. The income recognised is the difference between the total sales price for the finished housing units and the total estimated costs for construction of the units. Minco argues that the transfer of land represents a sale of goods which fulfils the revenue recognition criteria in IAS 18 Revenue.

As IAS 18 no longer exists , how will this be treated as per IFRS 15 , will it be treated like a contract revenue where you recognise revenue by matching cost incurred till date to total estimated cost to be incurred??????