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On the breach of a contract for a sale of land when the seller has sold the property to someone else, is an award of specific performance unavailable?

User EggMeister
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Final answer:

The remedy of specific performance for a contract breach in real estate is usually unavailable if the seller has sold the property to someone else, as the seller cannot sell what they no longer own. Other remedies, like monetary damages, may be sought instead.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a breach of a contract for a sale of land, where the seller has sold the property to a third party, the remedy of specific performance may be deemed unavailable. Specific performance is an equitable remedy that compels a party to perform their contractual obligations. It is often used in real estate transactions due to the unique nature of land, where monetary damages are sometimes insufficient to compensate the buyer's loss.

However, if the seller no longer owns the property, they cannot be compelled to perform the original contract, as they cannot sell what they do not own. In such cases, the buyer may be limited to seeking monetary damages or other remedies. The legal system plays a critical role in enforcing contracts, encouraging trade, and supporting economic growth by ensuring that property rights are respected and contractual breaches are addressed.

User Anh Tuan Nguyen
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