Contracts for the sale of real estate are legal acts whose purpose and effect is to transfer ownership to the purchaser of the property.
Several stages are required and the final conclusion of the deed of sale requires that preliminary contracts be concluded beforehand:
The promise to sell: this is a seller's agreement to "reserve" the property for sale to a buyer. The promise to sell is also called a "unilateral promise to sell". The seller makes a firm and definitive commitment to the buyer, until the latter decides whether or not to exercise the option, i.e. whether or not to contract.
If the purchaser (the beneficiary) is at fault, the seller (promisor) will not be able to seek compulsory execution of the sale (unless the beneficiary has formally exercised the option before changing his mind). However, he will be able to claim the full amount of the immobilisation indemnity payable by the Beneficiary.
The offer to purchase (very rare in practice)
The sale can also be analysed from the buyer's side.
In this case, it is no longer the seller who makes an offer to sell and the buyer who accepts, but it is the buyer who makes an offer to buy the property.
This means that the buyer sets out in advance the conditions of purchase (type of property, surface area, location, etc.). As this offer to purchase is intended for the sellers (private individuals or professionals), it is the latter (one of them) who are supposed to accept the offer to purchase.
The sales agreement
The compromis is a synallagmatic promise to sell which commits both the seller and the buyer.
Consequently, if one of the parties refuses to repeat the sale, despite the fulfilment of the suspensive conditions, the other party may take action against it, to request, at its choice, either the forced execution of the sale, or the cancellation of the sale to its detriment, as well as damages resulting from the penalty clause provided for in the contract.
Following the signing of the preliminary contract, the final conclusion of the deed of sale will take place.
What to do if the seller or buyer does not sell or buy the property?
If it is the buyer who renounces the purchase of the property, the seller sends him a formal notice to appear before the notary.
If he does not appear, the seller sues the purchaser for compensation for the damage suffered as a result of this change of decision.
The seller's unconditional acceptance of the offer to sell makes the contractual relationship between the parties firm and definitive.
Therefore, if the buyer withdraws even though his offer to purchase was perfectly clear and precise, the seller may obtain damages as compensation for the loss suffered.
Cécile ZAKINE is at your disposal to advise you on real estate sales contracts or to assist you in case of litigation
Frequently asked questions
Quelle est l’indemnité due si l’acheteur se rétracte après une promesse de vente ?
En cas de rétractation de l’acheteur (bénéficiaire) sans lever l’option, le vendeur peut conserver l’indemnité d’immobilisation, généralement 5 à 10 % du prix. Cette indemnité est prévue dans la promesse.
Combien de temps l’acheteur a-t-il pour se rétracter après une promesse unilatérale de vente ?
Le délai de rétractation est fixé dans la promesse (souvent 30 à 90 jours). Passé ce délai, l’acheteur peut être contraint de signer ou perdre l’indemnité. Me Zakine vous conseille sur les clauses.
Puis-je me rétracter après avoir signé une promesse de vente sans perdre mon acompte ?
Oui, si vous exercez votre droit de rétractation dans le délai légal de 10 jours après la signature (hors promesse synallagmatique). Sinon, vous risquez de perdre l’indemnité d’immobilisation.
Que faire si le vendeur se rétracte après avoir accepté mon offre d’achat ?
Le vendeur peut se rétracter tant que l’acte authentique n’est pas signé, mais vous pouvez demander des dommages-intérêts pour le préjudice subi (frais de dossier, etc.). Me Zakine évalue vos recours.
Quels sont les délais pour agir en justice après une rétractation abusive ?
Vous avez 5 ans à compter de la rétractation pour agir en responsabilité contractuelle. Me Zakine vous aide à chiffrer votre préjudice et à engager une action.
Lawyer in Antibes, registered with the Grasse Bar. Intervenes throughout France. Labour law, Litigation at work. Real estate litigation and co-ownership law. Construction problems (VEFA,..)Fast, motivated and committed response. Do not hesitate to contact the lawyer in Antibes: Maitre Zakine. or to make an appointment online for a consultation.
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