Typically, contracts for the sale of land, or for the grant of a lease, are prepared in two identical parts, one part signed by the seller or proposed landlord, one part signed by the buyer or proposed tenant.

Once each part of the contract has been signed, the parties are ready to exchange contracts. The parties then date and physically exchange their respective parts of the contract so that the seller holds the part signed by the buyer and the buyer holds the part signed by the seller.

Once this exchange has taken place, the contract is said to have been made. This marks the point at which the contract becomes legally binding.

The time at which the contract is made will depend on the method of exchange.

If you would like to discuss exchange of contracts or conveyancing with us or feel you need professional advice on anything in this section please call us on 01562 514 870, email us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact us using the contacts page of our website..