Definition in English: A contract of sale is an agreement in which the seller obligates himself or herself to transfer ownership and deliver a determinate thing, while the buyer obligates himself or herself to pay a price certain in money or its equivalent.
Paliwanag sa Filipino: Kontrata ng bentahan — Kasunduan kung saan ililipat at ihahatid ng nagbebenta ang isang tiyak na bagay kapalit ng tiyak na presyo.
Legal basis
Civil Code Articles 1458 and 1475. The rule must be read together with applicable amendments and controlling Supreme Court decisions.
What this term means
- A sale is generally perfected when the parties agree on the object and price, even before delivery and payment.
- Perfection of the contract does not always mean ownership has already transferred; delivery ordinarily performs an important role in transfer.
- A contract of sale must be distinguished from a contract to sell, where transfer may remain subject to a suspensive condition such as full payment.
Example
A buyer and seller agree on a specific parcel and a definite price. Their sale may already be perfected even though the deed, payment and delivery will occur later.
Related civil law terms
Earnest Money · Option Money · Rescission
What to read next
Contract of sale versus contract to sell · Browse contracts content · Return to the Civil Law Glossary
Important note
This glossary entry is an educational explanation of Philippine civil law. The English definition states the primary legal concept. The Filipino explanation is provided to make the concept easier to understand and is not an official translation of the Civil Code, Rules of Court or Supreme Court decisions. Consult the controlling legal text and qualified counsel for a specific dispute.
Jurisdiction: Philippines
Last reviewed: September 2026