What conditions must be met for the Statute of Frauds Doctrine of Part Performance to apply?

The Statute of Frauds typically requires that contracts for the sale of land be in writing to be enforceable. However, the Doctrine of Part Performance provides an exception to this rule when certain conditions are met. The correct interpretation involves the buyer possessing the property and having made significant payments toward the purchase.

When the buyer takes possession of the property, it indicates an action that aligns with the intentions of both parties regarding the contract. Additionally, having paid a significant portion demonstrates a commitment to the purchase, reinforcing the idea that an agreement was indeed reached, even if it wasn't documented in writing. This combination of possession and financial investment can serve to prove the existence of an agreement and can make it inequitable for the seller to deny the contract's enforcement.

The other circumstances described do not fully encapsulate the necessary elements for the Doctrine of Part Performance. Simply paying in full or making significant improvements without the accompanying possession would not meet the standard. Additionally, having a signed written contract is not a requirement within the Doctrine of Part Performance because that is precisely what the doctrine seeks to circumvent in specific circumstances. Thus, possessing the property along with making substantial payments correctly reflects the conditions necessary for invoking the Doctrine of Part Performance under the Statute of Frauds.