LAND LAW – contracts for the sale of land – deposit payable in two instalments – second instalment payable “on the 4th month after the contract date” – contract dated 4 April 2019 – whether second instalment required to be paid by 4 August 2019, or by 31 August 2019 – held that payment was required by 4 August 2019 – vendors held to be entitled to terminate contract on 5 August 2019 – Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW) s 181(1)(d) definition of “month” as “calendar month” – Interpretation Act 1987 (NSW) s 21 definition of “calendar month”.

EQUITY – equitable remedies – relief in respect of exercise of legal rights – exercise of right to terminate contract for sale of land – breach giving rise to right of termination brought about by purchaser’s mistake – mistake not caused or contributed to by conduct of vendors – serious breach in failing to pay part of deposit within time agreed to be essential – no substantial loss or prejudice to vendors if contract ordered to be performed – not unconscientious of vendors to rely upon their termination – equitable relief declined – forfeiture of deposit of 5% of the price not unjust or inequitable in the circumstances – no order made for return of deposit under s 55(2A) of Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW).

David Rayment represented the Defendants in the matter.

Reasons for the decision can be found here.