Option Agreement Template for Canada

An Option Agreement gives someone the legal right to buy or sell something specific - like property, shares, or assets - at a set price within an agreed timeframe. In Canadian business deals, these contracts let buyers "lock in" their chance to make a purchase while they conduct due diligence or arrange financing.

The agreement spells out key terms like the option period, exercise price, and any conditions that must be met. Common in Canadian real estate and corporate transactions, it protects the buyer's interests by preventing the seller from accepting other offers during the option period. The buyer typically pays a fee for this exclusive right, though they're not obligated to complete the purchase.

Consider using an Option Agreement when you need time to evaluate a potential purchase without risking losing the opportunity to someone else. This proves especially valuable in hot real estate markets, when buying into a business, or securing rights to valuable assets in competitive Canadian markets.

The agreement becomes crucial during complex transactions requiring extensive due diligence, securing financing, or obtaining regulatory approvals. It's particularly useful for developers needing time to check zoning requirements, businesses wanting to lock in acquisition targets while arranging funds, or entrepreneurs securing intellectual property rights while developing their business plan.

• Option To Purchase Agreement: Basic form used for general asset purchases, setting out price, timeline, and conditions
• Option To Buy Contract: Simplified version focused on straightforward transactions with minimal conditions
• Lease To Own Rental Agreement: Combines rental terms with future purchase rights for tenants
• Land Buying Agreement: Specialized for real estate with zoning and development contingencies
• Lease And Purchase Agreement: Comprehensive version merging immediate occupancy rights with future ownership options

• Property Owners/Sellers: Grant the option rights in exchange for a fee, must maintain the property and honor the agreed terms during the option period
• Potential Buyers: Pay for the exclusive right to purchase, conduct due diligence, and arrange financing without competition
• Real Estate Agents: Often facilitate Option Agreements between parties and help structure deal terms
• Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure legal compliance and protect client interests
• Business Brokers: Use options to structure deals for company acquisitions and secure potential buyers
• Financial Institutions: Review agreements when financing is needed for the eventual purchase

• Asset Details: Gather complete description of property or assets, including title information and current market value
• Option Terms: Determine option period length, purchase price, and any deposit or option fee amounts
• Party Information: Collect legal names, contact details, and signing authority for all involved parties
• Conditions: List any requirements for due diligence, financing, or regulatory approvals
• Payment Structure: Outline deposit amounts, payment schedules, and how funds will be held
• Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound Option Agreement that includes all required elements
• Review Points: Check all dates, amounts, and conditions match your initial discussions

• Identification of Parties: Full legal names and addresses of both option grantor and grantee
• Asset Description: Detailed description of property or assets covered by the option
• Option Period: Clear start and end dates for exercising the option
• Purchase Price: Specified amount and payment terms for both option fee and final purchase
• Exercise Method: Exact process for exercising the option, including notice requirements
• Conditions Precedent: Any requirements that must be met before purchase completion
• Default Provisions: Consequences of breach by either party
• Governing Law: Specification of applicable Canadian jurisdiction
• Signatures: Formal execution block for all parties

While an Option Agreement and a Business Purchase Agreement may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes in Canadian business transactions. An Option Agreement creates a right to purchase in the future, while a Business Purchase Agreement finalizes the actual sale.

• Timing and Commitment: Option Agreements create a future opportunity with no obligation to buy, while Purchase Agreements represent an immediate, binding commitment to complete the transaction
• Payment Structure: Options require a smaller upfront fee for the right to purchase, whereas Purchase Agreements involve the full purchase price and payment terms
• Due Diligence: Options allow time for investigation before committing, while Purchase Agreements typically come after due diligence is complete
• Risk Allocation: Options shift most risk to the seller during the option period, while Purchase Agreements typically distribute risks more evenly between parties