Buying and Selling: Ruling on Conditional Revocation and Future Buyback Clause in Land Sale

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Buying and Selling: Ruling on Conditional Revocation and Future Buyback Clause in Land Sale

English:

Question #1557:

A person bought a piece of land on condition that he would have the right of revocation in the event of the government department refusing to register it in his name, or if it transpired that the government needs the land for initiating some project. Since the buyer is still unable to obtain the necessary building permit, he is demanding from the vendor to abrogate the sale and return his money. However, he made a new condition that the vendor resells him the land at the same price if the department concerned gives him permission to build within two years. Is he justified in making such provisions?

Answer #1557:

The buyer could have the right of revocation according to the terms of the contract between the two parties. Accordingly, it is permissible for him to revoke the contract and demand his money back from the vendor. However, he has no right to impose [new] conditions at the time of revoking the first contract.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Buying and Selling