3. Completion (Stage 5); Post-Completition (Stage 6); Remedies for Delay; and Commercial Security of Tenure Flashcards
Stage 5 (Completion):
What are the three methods by which completion can take place, and what should these not be confused with?
- Personal attendance
- Agent
- Post (most common)
Not to be confused with the three Ps by which exchange can occur: person, post, phone.
What does merger on completion mean and what does it mean for the buyer?
On completion, the contract merges with the purchase deed, meaning the buyer can no longer sue on contract terms (unless the contract provides it will not merge on completion)
On to Stage 6 (Post-Completion):
Within what time of completion must the buyer’s solicitor send the Stamp Duty Land Tax Form and pay tax?
Within 14 days of completion, even if no tax is payable
Within what time of completion must buyer’s solicitor register the title for (1) registered and (2) unregistered property?
Registered: 30 days
Unregistered: Two months
What is the effect of first registration on the title deeds?
They no longer have legal effect
Finished with the stages, and on to Delayed Completion and Remedies:
What is the only circumstance where delay will give the innocent party the right to cancel the contract outright?
Only where time was of the essence
Under the Standard Conditions, what is required for time to be of the essence in a residential context?
It must be specified in the contract
Even if time is not of the essence, what does any delay in completion, however minimal, give rise to?
Damages in the form of an interest penalty
What is the base amount the interest penalty is calculated on?
The proceeds outstanding, i.e. purchase price minus deposit
As long as they notify the delaying party, what other option is available to an innocent buyer where there is a tenant in situ in the property?
They can elect to take the rental income instead of the interest
Where completion is delayed and time is not of the essence, what must the innocent party serve on the breaching party if they want to set the ball in motion toward being able to cancel the contract, and what is the effect of this?
A notice to complete, which makes time of the essence
From what point can a notice to complete be served, and what three things must be true of the party serving?
Any time after completion was due but not after it has taken place, and innocent party must be
- ready, able, and willing to complete
What trap should we look out for on the exam regarding a notice to complete?
The innocent party trying to serve a notice to complete in order to cancel the contract in a situation where completion has occurred, although late.
A notice to complete can only be served if completion has not yet occurred.
After service of a notice to complete, how long does the delaying party have to complete?
Ten days
Upon receiving a notice to complete, what must the buyer do if they have negotiated and paid a deposit lower than 10% to the seller?
Advance enough funds such that 10% of the purchase price has been paid over
What are the seller’s options when the buyer does not comply with a notice to complete?
- Rescind the contract
- Retain deposit
- Claim damages
- Resell property
What are the buyer’s options when the seller does not comply with a notice to complete?
- Rescind the contract
- Reclaim deposit with interest at the contract rate
- Claim damages
What remedies are available for other pre-completion breaches, depending on the breach?
- Specific performance
- Damages
- Rescission