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
Option Agreement
I need an option agreement for a potential investor to purchase shares in my startup, with a 2-year exercise period and a fixed price per share. The agreement should include terms for vesting, transfer restrictions, and compliance with Singaporean securities regulations.
What is an Option Agreement?
An Option Agreement gives someone the legal right to buy or sell something at a set price within a specific timeframe. In Singapore's property market, these agreements are commonly used to lock in the price of a property while buyers arrange financing or handle other details - typically with a small upfront payment called an "option fee."
The agreement must follow Singapore's legal requirements, including a clear option period (usually 14 days for residential properties) and specific terms about the option fee (usually 1% of the purchase price). Once signed, the seller can't offer the property to anyone else during this period, while the buyer can choose to complete the purchase or walk away, though they'll forfeit the option fee if they don't proceed.
When should you use an Option Agreement?
Use an Option Agreement when you need to secure the right to buy or sell something valuable without committing to the full transaction immediately. This proves especially useful in Singapore's property market when buyers need time to arrange financing or when developers want to reserve units in upcoming projects.
The agreement becomes vital during property negotiations where market conditions are volatile, or when dealing with high-value assets that require due diligence. It offers protection to both parties - sellers get a financial commitment through the option fee, while buyers gain exclusive rights and time to finalize their decision. This tool also helps in commercial deals where timing and market conditions significantly impact the transaction's value.
What are the different types of Option Agreement?
- Option To Purchase Agreement: Used for real estate transactions, giving buyers exclusive rights to purchase property within a specified timeframe
- Lease To Own Land Agreement: Combines rental and purchase rights for land, allowing tenants to eventually buy the property
- Vehicle Lease To Own Agreement: Enables gradual vehicle ownership through lease payments with a purchase option
- Stock Option Agreement: Grants employees rights to purchase company shares at predetermined prices
- Share Option Agreement: Used for corporate transactions, giving rights to purchase shares under specific conditions
Who should typically use an Option Agreement?
- Property Buyers: Secure the right to purchase a property while arranging financing, often working with real estate agents to negotiate terms
- Property Developers: Issue options for upcoming projects, managing sales and reservations before completion
- Legal Professionals: Draft and review Option Agreements to ensure compliance with Singapore's property laws and protect client interests
- Real Estate Agents: Facilitate option negotiations between buyers and sellers, handling documentation and deposits
- Financial Institutions: Provide financing approval letters needed for property purchases under option agreements
- Corporate Entities: Use options for business asset purchases, share transfers, or employee stock options
How do you write an Option Agreement?
- Party Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and identity/registration numbers of all involved parties
- Asset Information: Document complete details of the property or asset, including exact location, specifications, and current market value
- Option Terms: Define the option fee amount, exercise period, and purchase price clearly
- Payment Details: Specify payment methods, timelines, and any conditions for both option fee and purchase price
- Due Diligence: Verify ownership, encumbrances, and legal status of the asset
- Special Conditions: List any specific requirements or contingencies that affect the option's exercise
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-compliant Option Agreement tailored to Singapore law
What should be included in an Option Agreement?
- Parties' Details: Full legal names, addresses, and identification/registration numbers of all involved parties
- Asset Description: Precise details of the property or asset being optioned, including all relevant specifications
- Option Terms: Clear statement of option fee, exercise period, and purchase price
- Exercise Mechanics: Detailed process for exercising the option, including notice requirements
- Payment Terms: Structure and timing of all payments, including option fee and purchase price
- Conditions Precedent: Any requirements that must be met before option exercise
- Termination Rights: Circumstances under which either party can end the agreement
- Governing Law: Explicit statement that Singapore law governs the agreement
What's the difference between an Option Agreement and an Asset Purchase Agreement?
An Option Agreement differs significantly from an Asset Purchase Agreement in several key ways. While both deal with property transfers, they serve distinct purposes in Singapore's legal framework.
- Timing and Commitment: Option Agreements create a future right to purchase, while Asset Purchase Agreements represent an immediate commitment to buy and sell
- Financial Obligation: Options require only an initial option fee (typically 1% in property transactions), whereas Asset Purchase Agreements require full payment terms
- Risk Distribution: Options give buyers flexibility to walk away (forfeiting only the option fee), while Asset Purchase Agreements bind both parties to complete the transaction
- Due Diligence Timeline: Options provide a structured period for buyers to investigate the asset, but Asset Purchase Agreements usually assume due diligence is complete
- Legal Enforceability: Options create conditional rights, while Asset Purchase Agreements establish immediate mutual obligations
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.