This document outlines a contractual arrangement wherein a party gains the right to occupy a property or utilize an asset, with an option to purchase said property or asset at the end of the lease term. The agreement typically specifies the lease duration, periodic payment amounts, and the purchase price or the method by which the purchase price will be determined. An example would be a tenant renting a house with the opportunity to buy it after a set period, with a portion of their rent payments contributing towards the eventual down payment.
Such agreements provide a pathway to ownership for individuals who may not initially qualify for traditional financing. They can also benefit sellers by attracting a wider pool of potential buyers and potentially commanding a higher sale price. Historically, these agreements have served as an alternative financing method, particularly during periods of economic downturn or when credit markets are constrained, allowing transactions to proceed that might otherwise be impossible.