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Real estate sales deadlines

 

 

Deadlines in real estate sales are a crucial element for the parties involved in the transaction. Buyers and sellers want to conclude the agreement as quickly as possible to avoid delays and disruptions.

Deadlines in Real Estate Sales

In a real estate sale, several deadlines must be respected for the transaction to proceed smoothly. The parties involved in the sale, namely the seller and the buyer, must therefore be attentive to these different deadlines to ensure that the sale proceeds smoothly and without any issues.

Reflection period for the seller

The seller has a 10-day reflection period from the signing of the sales agreement to retract. This period allows the seller to take time to reflect on the sale before committing definitively. They can cancel the sale without justification during this period.

Withdrawal period for the buyer

The buyer also has a 10-day withdrawal period from the signing of the sales agreement to retract. This period allows the buyer to withdraw from the sale without justification.

Suspensive condition realization deadline

In some cases, the sale is subject to a suspensive condition, such as obtaining a real estate loan. The deadline for fulfilling the suspensive condition is specified in the sales agreement. The parties, therefore, have a deadline to fulfill the suspensive condition before proceeding to the next step.

Signing deadline for the deed of sale

Once all the suspensive conditions have been fulfilled, the parties have a 2 to 3-month deadline to sign the deed of sale with the notary. This deadline may vary depending on the regions and notaries, but it is generally between 2 and 3 months.

 

The importance of deadlines in real estate sales

Respecting deadlines in real estate sales is essential for the transaction to proceed efficiently and avoid delays and disruptions. Failure to meet deadlines can have significant consequences for the parties involved.

For the seller, failing to meet deadlines can result in a delay in the sale of their property, which can have a significant financial impact. If the sale is delayed, it can also affect the seller’s planning, particularly if they have to move to another property.

For the buyer, failing to meet deadlines can also have significant financial consequences, particularly if they have to pay late penalties for fulfilling suspensive conditions. If the sale is delayed, it can also affect the buyer’s planning, particularly if they have to leave their current property at a specific date.

 

Consequences of not meeting deadlines in real estate sales

Failure to meet deadlines in real estate sales can have significant consequences for the parties involved. Here are some examples of possible consequences:

  • If the seller fails to meet the reflection period deadline, the buyer can cancel the sale and request damages.
  • If the buyer fails to meet the withdrawal period deadline, they may lose their right to withdraw and be required to purchase the property.
  • If the suspensive condition is not fulfilled within the prescribed deadline, the parties may need to renegotiate the terms of the sale or cancel the sale altogether.

 

Conclusion

Deadlines in real estate sales are a crucial element for the success of the transaction. Respecting deadlines allows parties to complete the sale as quickly as possible and avoid delays and disruptions. Failure to meet deadlines can have significant consequences for the parties involved. Therefore, it is essential to understand the deadlines and respect them to ensure that the real estate sale proceeds without any issues.

 

About the Author :

Business lawyers, bilingual, specialized in acquisition law; Benoit Lafourcade is co-founder of Delcade lawyers & solicitors and founder of FRELA; registered as agents in personal and professional real estate transactions. Member of AAMTI (main association of French lawyers and agents).

FRELA : French Real Estate Lawyer Agency, specializing in acquisition law to secure real estate and business transactions in France.

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