koopcontract

A koopcontract, or contract of sale, is a legally binding agreement under which a seller agrees to transfer ownership of a thing or right to a buyer in exchange for a price. It governs the sale of movable goods as well as real property and is a common instrument in Dutch civil law. In English-language texts it is often translated as purchase agreement or sale contract.

A koopcontract can be final (definitieve koopcontract) or preliminary (voorlopig koopcontract). The latter binds the parties to the main terms while conditions such as financing, inspection, or regulatory approvals are fulfilled. Typical terms include the description of the object, the purchase price, payment terms, delivery or transfer date, risk allocation, and any warranties or service obligations.

Real estate transactions in the Netherlands commonly require a notarial deed to transfer ownership. A preliminary koopcontract may fix a completion date and conditions precedent; the actual transfer takes place in a notarial act and is registered in the land registry. For movable goods, delivery and payment obligations may be executed directly under the koopcontract.

In case of breach, the injured party may seek damages, termination, or, in some cases, specific performance, depending on the terms and applicable law. Consumer protection rules can add additional rights in consumer sale situations; otherwise, the contract is governed by the Dutch Civil Code and general contract law. The koopcontract thus functions as the foundational document for the sale, with the exact procedures and remedies varying by property type and jurisdiction.