Agreement for Sale

An agreement for sale (buyer seller agreement) is a legal contract between seller and purchaser regulating the mutual promises made by each party. It is a formal document that evidences the sale and purchase of certain goods or immovable property. An agreement for sale is a legal document and a written promise to transfer certain goods or property for consideration (money). It records the terms of such transfer and such payment and also the penalty in case of non-transfer of goods/property or non-payment of consideration.

Why is Agreement for Sale required?

An agreement for sale of goods/property is drafted stating a seller’s and buyer’s willingness to sell and buy respectively, goods or property. It determines the terms and conditions of sale between the parties. The agreement is binding on both the parties. It is an important step as all the rights and liabilities of the parties are stated clearly and thus avoids future legal trouble and confusion. One of its main purposes is to serve as written evidence of the selling and buying of such goods or properties. It safeguards the interests of both the seller and the buyer. It is a legal document and is enforceable in the Court of law.

What should a Agreement for Sale cover?

It should consist of all the necessary terms and conditions. The following are important terms that must be included in a buyer seller agreement for sale among others:

  1. The relevant personal details of the parties such as full name, residential addresses and ages of the parties to the agreement,
  2. Description of the goods/property to be sold by the seller,
  3. Method of delivering the goods and the time taken for the delivery of such goods/properties,
  4. Terms of the payment, including the mode of payment, the amount to be paid by the purchaser to the seller and the duration within which the payment is to be completed,
  5. Indemnity clause designed to seek compensation from the seller should there be any losses/expenses in the future,
  6. Penalty clause explaining the details of what the penalty would be if the seller or purchaser defaults in performing their duties as per the agreement,
  7. Clause stating the right to call off the deal,
  8. General clauses such as termination of agreement, applicable laws, arbitration clause, etc.) and
  9. Date of signing of the agreement.

Format for Agreement for Sale

DRAFT OF AGREEMENT FOR SALE

THIS AGREEMENT FOR SALE is made and executed on this the____________ day _____________ of ___________, 200-

Mr. ____________s/o. ____________ aged_________________ years residing at _____________Hereinafter called "The SELLER" (which expression shall mean and include her legal heirs, successors, successors-in-interest, executors, administrators, legal representatives, attorneys and assigns) of ONE PART.

Mr. ______________ s /o __________ aged­ ________ years residing at__________ ___Hereinafter referred as "The PURCHASER" (represented by his power of attorney) which expression shall mean and include his heirs, successors, executors, administrators, legal representatives, attorneys and assigns of the OTHER PART.

WHEREAS THE SELLER is the absolute owner in possession and enjoyment of the more fully described in the schedule hereunder and hereafter called the "SCHEDULE PROPERTY.

WHEREAS the property more fully described in the schedule hereunder is the self acquired property of the SELLER who purchased the same from Mr._____________ in and by sale deed dated _____________ and registered as Doct No._________of Book 1 Volume No______________Page No_____to_________, registered on and filed on the file of the Sub-Registrar,

WHEREAS the SELLER is the absolute owner of the property and he has been enjoying the same with absolute right and he has clear and marketable title to the Schedule Property

WHEREAS the SELLER being in need of funds for the purpose of ________________ has decided to sell the property more fully described in the Schedule hereunder and the PURCHASER has offered to purchase the same..

WHEREAS the SELLER offered to sell and transfer the schedule property to the PURCHASER for a sale consideration of Rs.___________(Rupees___________ only) and the PURCHASER herein has agreed to purchase the same for the aforesaid consideration on the following terms and conditions:

NOW THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH AS FOLLOWS:

The Sale consideration of the Schedule Property is fixed at Rs. __________ (Rupees________ only).

The PURCHASER has paid a sum of Rs.­­­­­­­­­­­­­___________(Rupees _________ only) by cash/ cheque /D.D. bearing No _________ drawn on ___________ dated________ as advance, the receipt of which sum the SELLER hereby acknowledges.

The balance payment of Rs._____________(Rupees _________ only) will be paid by the PURCHASER to the SELLER at the time of execution of the absolute Sale Deed and thus completing the Sale transaction.

The parties herein covenant to complete the Sale transaction and to execute the Absolute Sale Deed by the end of

The SELLER confirms with the PURCHASER that he/she has not entered into any agreement for sale, mortgage or exchange whatsoever with any other person relating to the Schedule Property of this Agreement.

The SELLER hereby assures the PURCHASER and he/she has absolute power to convey the same and there are no encumbrances, liens, charges, Government dues, attachments, acquisition, or requisition, proceedings etc.

The SELLER agrees to put the PURCHASER in absolute and vacant possession of the schedule property after executing the sale deed and registering the same in the jurisdictional Sub-Registrar's office.

The SELLER covenants with the PURCHASER that he/she shall not do any act, deed or thing creating any charge, lien or encumbrance in respect of the schedule property during the subsistence of this Agreement.

The SELLER has specifically agreed and covenants with the PURCHASER that he/she shall do all acts, deeds and things which are necessary and requisite to convey absolute and marketable title in respect of the schedule property in favour of the PURCHASER or his nominee.

IT IS AGREED between the parties that all expenses towards Stamp Duty and Registration charges shall be borne by the PURCHASER only.

The PURCHASER shall have the right to nominate or assign his right under this agreement to any person / persons of his choice and the SELLER shall execute the Sale Deed as per terms and conditions of this Agreement in favour of the PURCHASER or his nominee or assignee.

The SELLER has agreed to get consent deed duly executed to this Sale transaction from his wife/her husband, sons and daughters on or before date of registration of Sale Deed and assured that they all join to execute sale deed in favour of the purchaser.

It is hereby expressly provided and agreed by the parties here to that both parties are entitled to enforce specific performance of the agreement against each other in case of breach of any conditions mentioned in this Agreement.

The original of the "AGREEMENT" signed by both the parties shall be with the PURCHASER and copy of the same similarly signed shall be with the SELLER.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the SELLER and the PURCHASER have signed this Agreement of Sale on the day month and year herein above mentioned in the presence of the witnesses:

Signed by SELLER_____________

Signed by PURCHASER______________

Documents Required for Agreement for Sale

There are no specific documents required for the drafting and execution of a buyer seller agreement for sale. However, ID proofs of the parties in order to confirm the names and permanent addresses of the lender and borrower should be scrutinised. Documents evidencing clear title of the property/goods of the seller in question should also be examined.

Procedure for Agreement for Sale

No set procedure is applicable in the making of an agreement for sale. However, once the agreement has been drafted by a lawyer, it should be specifically and carefully read by both the parties to the agreement. Any necessary changes required to be made shall be carried out and once the agreement is finalised, it shall be signed by both the parties along with the requisite witnesses. The agreement for sale is legally binding when it is printed on judicial stamp paper/e-stamp paper and signed by both the parties. The stamp paper value depends on the particular State in which it is executed. Each party should thereafter keep a signed copy of the Agreement for sale.

Legal Considerations for Agreement for Sale

A buyer seller agreement for sale is a legal document which includes clauses stating the terms and conditions between the parties. It needs to be printed on a judicial / e-stamp paper of the correct value and signed by both parties. It can be modified or amended as per the terms of the agreement.

How can a lawyer help to draft Agreement for Sale?

One of the first and the most important steps that you must undertake is to hire a good documentation lawyer as he/she is aware of the nitty gritty of the legal procedures and necessary requirements involved in drafting of agreements for sale. A lawyer would draft an agreement for sale, better than you can yourself, for obvious reasons. A lawyer has the necessary legal knowledge and experience to handle and draft such documents. He/She will be able to guide you and draft for you according to your particular situation - the facts, circumstances and needs involved. A documentation lawyer is aware of good drafting technique and the clauses that must be included in your agreement. Hiring a good lawyer in order to draft such important legal documents is a prerequisite and will help you in more ways than one.