What is "specific performance" in a real estate contract?

Specific performance is a legal remedy that compels a party to fulfill their obligations as outlined in a contract, particularly in the context of real estate transactions. This concept arises because certain properties are unique, and monetary damages may not adequately compensate the non-breaching party for the loss incurred due to a breach. In real estate contracts, where the subject matter is often unique (for example, a specific parcel of land or a home), a court may order specific performance to ensure that the parties fulfill their contractual duties, such as transferring ownership of the property as originally agreed.

In scenarios where a party fails to perform as promised, specific performance serves as a means of enforcing the contract rather than simply providing damages. This remedy reflects the principle that some agreements, especially those involving unique or irreplaceable objects like real estate, merit more than just financial compensation—they demand actual performance to complete the fulfillment of the contract.