Blake and Co. v Sohn: 1969

The defendant had falsely represented to their estate agents that they had been in undisputed exclusive possession of part of the land to be sold for 20 years and were able to prove title for the land. In fact, there was a long running dispute about title to the land. Contracts were exchanged but the sale could not be completed because of the vendors’ inability to complete the purchase. The purchaser successfully sued for rescission of the contract, whereupon the estate agents sued for their commission or damages. The estate agents contended, inter alia, that there was an implied term in the agreement between themselves and the vendors to the effect that the vendors had and would make out a good title to the property.
Held: Nield J rejected the contention. There was no justification for implying such a term. The representation as to undisputed possession did not amount to fraud.

Judges:

Nield J

Citations:

[1969] 3 All ER 123

Jurisdiction:

England and Wales

Cited by:

CitedJohn D Wood and Co (Residential and Agricultural Ltd) v Craze QBD 30-Nov-2007
The claimant estate agents sought payment of its commission. The defendant appealed refusal of his request for the claim to be struck out. The agency said that the agency’s standard terms applied under which commission was payable on exchange. The . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.

Contract, Agency

Updated: 04 December 2022; Ref: scu.263807