General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Specific performance

Specific performance is a court order requiring a party to carry out its contractual obligations, rather than paying damages. It is granted only where damages would not be adequate.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

It is rarely ordered for contracts involving personal services.

In Scotland

The Scottish equivalent is specific implement, which in principle is more readily available than specific performance in England.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.