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An SA buyer and vendor sign and exchange the contract for a house on Thursday. What is the legal effect?

Correct Answer

D) It creates a binding contract, subject to any conditions and the buyer's cooling-off right

Exchange of contracts creates a legally binding agreement between the vendor and purchaser, subject to any conditions precedent (such as finance or building inspection) and the purchaser's cooling-off rights.

Answer Options
A
It is merely an expression of interest, binding neither party until settlement takes place
B
It binds the parties only once the full deposit has been paid into the trust account
C
It transfers legal title to the purchaser the moment both parties have signed their copies
D
It creates a binding contract, subject to any conditions and the buyer's cooling-off right

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Once contracts are signed and exchanged the parties are bound, subject to any conditions such as finance and to the purchaser's statutory cooling-off right. Title passes only on registration after settlement.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

exchange of contractsbinding agreementequitable interest
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