A contract is essentially an offer (made by the purchaser) which has been accepted (by the seller). For an offer to purchase immovable property to be valid it must:
- be in writing and be signed by the purchaser or his duly authorised representative;
- state the essential terms of the proposed agreement, and all other material terms, i.e. those terms which can '˜make or break the deal;
- be brought to the attention of the seller.
- if it states a specific expiry date and the seller has not accepted if by that date;
- if the purchaser exercises his rights under the '˜cooling-off clause;
- if the seller rejects it out of hand or makes a counter-offer;
- if either the purchaser or the seller dies before the offer has been accepted.
- be in writing and be signed by the seller or his authorised representative;
- be unambiguous, and be intended to be binding on the seller;
- be brought to the attention of the purchaser.
