Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Memorandum of Sale
"I need a memorandum of sale for a residential property transaction, including a 10% deposit, completion within 60 days, and details of fixtures and fittings included in the sale."
What is a Memorandum of Sale?
A Memorandum of Sale is a legal document that records the key details of a property transaction in the Philippines. It captures the essential terms agreed upon between the buyer and seller, including the property description, purchase price, payment terms, and closing date.
Under Philippine property law, this document serves as preliminary proof of the sale agreement before the final Deed of Sale is executed. While not as formal as a Deed of Sale, it helps prevent future disputes by clearly documenting what both parties have agreed to, especially in real estate transactions involving installment payments or specific conditions.
When should you use a Memorandum of Sale?
Use a Memorandum of Sale when you're buying or selling property in the Philippines and need to document the agreement before finalizing the Deed of Sale. This document becomes especially important during lengthy negotiations or when dealing with installment payments, as it locks in the agreed terms and protects both parties' interests.
It's particularly valuable when handling large transactions, dealing with multiple stakeholders, or when there's a significant time gap between the initial agreement and the final closing. Real estate developers, property investors, and brokers regularly use these memoranda to secure preliminary agreements and prevent misunderstandings about price, payment terms, or property details.
What are the different types of Memorandum of Sale?
- Memorandum Of Agreement For Land Sale: Specifically designed for raw land transactions, with provisions for zoning and land use requirements
- Memorandum Of Understanding For Purchase Of Property: Used for general property purchases, including both residential and commercial real estate
- Memorandum Of Agreement Between Buyer And Seller: A comprehensive version covering detailed payment terms and conditions
- Memorandum Of Agreement For Sale And Purchase: Includes specific provisions for both movable and immovable property
- Memorandum Of Agreement For Sales Commission: Focuses on broker arrangements and commission structures in property sales
Who should typically use a Memorandum of Sale?
- Property Sellers: Initiate the Memorandum of Sale to formalize their intent to sell and document agreed terms with buyers
- Property Buyers: Review and sign the memorandum to confirm their purchase commitment and payment arrangements
- Real Estate Brokers: Often facilitate the creation and execution of these documents while representing either party
- Property Developers: Use these agreements when selling units in their development projects
- Legal Counsel: Review and validate the memorandum terms to protect their clients' interests
- Notary Public: Authenticate the document and witness the signatures of all parties involved
How do you write a Memorandum of Sale?
- Property Details: Gather complete property description, lot number, title details, and exact location
- Party Information: Collect full legal names, addresses, and valid IDs of both buyer and seller
- Purchase Terms: Document the agreed price, payment schedule, and any specific conditions
- Title Status: Verify current ownership and ensure there are no liens or encumbrances
- Special Conditions: Note any agreed improvements, repairs, or contingencies
- Timeline Details: Specify important dates for payment, possession, and deed execution
- Documentation: Prepare tax declarations, lot plans, and other supporting documents
What should be included in a Memorandum of Sale?
- Party Details: Complete legal names, addresses, and capacities of buyer and seller
- Property Description: Detailed specification of the property, including title number and boundaries
- Consideration: Clear statement of purchase price and payment terms
- Warranties: Seller's declarations about property ownership and condition
- Transfer Terms: Timeline and conditions for property turnover
- Execution Date: Clear statement of when agreement takes effect
- Signatures: Space for both parties and witnesses, with notarial acknowledgment
- Governing Law: Statement confirming Philippine law applies
What's the difference between a Memorandum of Sale and a Deed of Sale?
A Memorandum of Sale is often confused with a Deed of Sale in Philippine property transactions. While both documents relate to property transfers, they serve distinct purposes and carry different legal weights.
- Legal Status: A Memorandum of Sale is a preliminary agreement documenting the intent to sell, while a Deed of Sale is the final document that actually transfers property ownership
- Timing: The Memorandum comes first, outlining agreed terms and conditions, while the Deed is executed at closing after all conditions are met
- Enforceability: A Memorandum primarily protects parties during negotiations, while a Deed creates binding property rights transferable to third parties
- Registration: A Memorandum typically doesn't require registration with the Registry of Deeds, unlike a Deed of Sale which must be registered to perfect the transfer
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.