Specific performance
A court order requiring a party to actually carry out what they agreed to do under a contract, rather than just paying compensation.
Definition
Specific performance is an equitable remedy by which a court orders a party to perform their contractual obligation rather than pay damages. It is granted at the court's discretion, typically where damages would be an inadequate remedy — most commonly for contracts for the sale of land or unique goods, where money cannot replicate the exact performance promised. Courts will not order specific performance where it would require constant supervision (such as ongoing personal services), where it would cause undue hardship to the defendant, or where the contract itself was obtained by misrepresentation or other vitiating factor. Specific performance may be ordered alongside or instead of damages.
In practice
If a seller backs out of a property sale after exchange of contracts, specific performance is usually the most powerful remedy — it forces completion. Start proceedings promptly, as delay can prevent the remedy being granted. The Land Registration Act 2002 makes the remedy particularly effective for land contracts because title is registered and uniqueness is presumed.