Statute of Frauds — Real Property

A contract for the sale of real property must be in writing signed by the party to be charged, and must describe the land and state the essential terms. Part performance may take an oral contract outside the Statute of Frauds if the buyer pays, takes possession, and makes improvements in reasonable reliance.

Related Real Property Contracts & Conveyancing rules

• Marketable TitleA vendor of real property impliedly covenants to deliver marketable title at closing — title reasonably free from…
• Equitable ConversionOnce a contract for the sale of land is signed, equity treats the buyer as the owner of the real property and the…
• Deed RequirementsA valid deed must: (1) be in writing; (2) identify the grantor and grantee; (3) contain words of conveyance (granting…
• Delivery of DeedsDelivery requires the grantor's present intent to be immediately bound by the conveyance. Manual transfer raises a…
• Types of Deeds — Covenants of TitleA general warranty deed contains six covenants: seisin, right to convey, against encumbrances, quiet enjoyment,…
• Merger DoctrineUpon closing, the contract for the sale of land merges into the deed; the contract's terms are extinguished and the…
• Adverse PossessionAdverse possession ripens into title when the claimant's possession is: (1) actual; (2) open and notorious; (3)…
• DedicationDedication is the voluntary transfer of private land to public use. Statutory dedication requires compliance with…

Part of Real Property on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.