Purchase agreements for cars, boats, dogs, and other movable property

Why use a written purchase agreement?

An oral agreement may be binding, but proving its exact terms can be difficult. A written purchase agreement records the property, price, payment, condition, and date of delivery.

The agreement provides a common point of reference if questions later arise about defects, included equipment, warranties, or unpaid amounts. It can also explain what happens if either party fails to complete the transaction as agreed.

The agreement does not replace the buyer’s inspection of the property or any separate steps required to register a change of ownership.

What should the agreement contain?

The terms should reflect the property and how the transaction will be completed. A purchase agreement should normally include:

• the buyer’s and seller’s details
• a clear description of the property
• the purchase price and payment method
• any deposit and what happens if the transaction is not completed
• the property’s condition and known defects
• the accessories and documents included
• any warranties or other representations
• the date and place of delivery
• responsibility for transport, insurance, and related costs
• the consequences of late payment or delivery
• the date and the parties’ signatures.

Information that influenced the purchase should be recorded in the agreement. This may include statements concerning earlier damage, repairs, previous use, health, or particular equipment.

Choose the appropriate purchase agreement

Different types of property require different information and checks. The agreement should therefore be tailored to what is being purchased or sold.

Car purchase agreement
Covers matters such as registration details, mileage, equipment, condition, payment, delivery, and transfer of ownership.

Boat purchase agreement
Covers the boat, engine, equipment, condition, documentation, payment, and delivery.

Motorcycle purchase agreement
Covers registration details, mileage, modifications, equipment, condition, payment, and transfer of ownership.

Dog purchase agreement
Covers the dog’s identity, health, registration, price, accompanying documents, and transfer to the buyer.

Agreement for the sale of movable property
Covers furniture, electronics, machinery, artwork, equipment, and other property without a dedicated type of purchase agreement.

Which law applies to the purchase?

When one private individual purchases property from another, the agreement and the Swedish Sale of Goods Act generally apply. Many provisions of that Act may be modified by agreement, making the written terms particularly important.

The Swedish Sale of Goods Act also normally applies to transactions between businesses and when an individual sells property to a business.

When a business sells to a consumer, the Swedish Consumer Sales Act applies. Its rules are mandatory for the consumer’s benefit, and the agreement cannot provide the consumer with less protection.

A statement that property is sold “as is” does not necessarily release the seller from all responsibility. The assessment depends on the information provided, what the buyer knew, and the condition the buyer could reasonably expect.