If you’re buying a property, chances are you’ll be handed a hefty contract with Conditions of Sale.Recently, more buyers are asking for the full contract before putting pen to paper. That usually includes:
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General conditions (the standard legal rules that apply to all sales)
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Special conditions (any extras specific to your deal)
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The signing page (where the price and completion date are confirmed)
So the big question: do you need to wade through all Conditions of Sale ?
Focus on the Special Conditions
In most cases, it’s the special conditions that deserve your attention. These are tailored to your specific purchase and will set out any unique obligations or agreements.
The general conditions, on the other hand, only come into play if something goes wrong — for example, if a deposit isn’t paid, if there’s a delay in completion, or if a completion notice has to be served.
And here’s a handy rule of thumb: if there’s ever a clash between general and special conditions, the special conditions take priority.
Why General Conditions Often Sit in the Background
Many of the general conditions cover scenarios that rarely crop up in day-to-day purchases. Some are even relics from another era:
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Auction clauses: If you’re buying a new-build in a housing estate, you’re unlikely to need the auction provisions.
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Completion at the seller’s solicitor’s office (Section 20B): This once meant everyone gathered in one office to exchange documents and funds. Nowadays, everything is done electronically — funds are transferred online, and documents arrive by registered post or courier. Nobody leaves their desk.
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Entitlement to interest (Section 21): With today’s low interest rates, this has become more of a historical footnote than a practical concern.
Everyday Provisions You’ll Recognise
Some conditions are straightforward. For instance, the rule on vacant possession simply means the seller hands over the keys once the money lands. That’s also covered in the requisitions on title sent at the start of the process.
What Happens If There’s a Delay?
If the closing date passes without completion, the practical step is usually to pick up the phone. Delays might happen if:
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The bank loan approval has expired
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There’s a snag clearing a debt on the property
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A settlement agreement from a lender is still pending
In short, it’s usually sorted with communication rather than dusting off obscure general conditions.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to signing your contract, the special conditions are where you should focus your attention. General conditions are more of a legal safety net, rarely needed in straightforward purchases.
At our office, we guide clients through both — highlighting anything that could affect their transaction and making sure all is clear before they commit.
💡 Thinking of buying or selling? If you’d like clarity on what the conditions of sale really mean for your deal, get in touchZoom Consultancy Call — we deal with these every day and can walk you through the bits that matter most.