Property Law

Sales and Acquisitions

Contractual Disputes resolutions for start-ups, scale-ups and the entrepreneurially spirited

Whether you own a portfolio of investment properties and are looking for help managing it, wish to own the freehold or long leasehold for your business premises, want to sell and leaseback your existing property interest or are looking to buy or sell a residential property, our lawyers have experience across every aspect of property sales and acquisitions.

As with all property, the key premise is “buyer beware” so it is essential clients are aware of all the pitfalls before they purchase any property and take careful advice to ensure they understand and limit liability.
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Legal Considerations

Is there a valid contract?

A contract does not need to be written to be enforceable (except in certain situations eg transfer of land or assignments of IP), though it helps to have the precise terms in writing so that each party is aware of their obligations.
In order for a contract to be valid, it must have the following elements:

1. Offer - This is a statement of terms by which the offeror agrees to be contractually bound

2. Acceptance - The offer must be accepted, and acceptance of an offer must be unconditional

3. Consideration - Each party must exchange something of ‘value’ for a contract to valid. The consideration doesn’t have to be equal, but a contract will not be valid without some consideration.

4. Intention to create legal relations – It must be clear that the parties intend to create legal relations and are aware of their obligations

5. Certainty of terms - In order for a contract to be binding, all material terms must be agreed. If the agreement is uncertain, a court may not be able to enforce it

Terms

The terms of a contract can have differing statuses. Conditions are the most important terms of the contract. A breach of a condition will entitle a party to terminate the contract and claim damages whereas a breach of a warranty will only entitle a party to claim damages.

The contract may set out whether the term is a condition or warranty, or it may be designated in statute (eg Sale of Goods Act 1979). If there is no express classification in the contract or statute, the court will consider the nature of the contract, its subject matter and the surrounding circumstances in determining whether the term is a condition or warranty.

It is also possible to imply terms into a contract, in addition to the terms which are expressly stated. Terms can be implied on the basis of usage or custom, previous course of dealings, the intention of the parties, common law, statute and to give business efficacy. You cannot imply a term if it directly contradicts an express term.

Breach of contract

Any loss that is suffered must be a direct consequence of the breach of contract and have been reasonably foreseeable by both parties at the time the contract was entered into.

Find out how our contract lawyers can help with contractual disputes.

Other factors to Consider

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