When it comes to property transactions, the formal and legal part of the process is the exchanging of contracts. This outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by the buyer and seller in a binding written contract.
In modern times this involves several parties and documents such as agents, lenders, solicitors, conveyancers, deposits, title deeds, council certificates and leases just to name a few.
Ever wondered how property was traded prior to all of this? Here’s a look at some of the more primitive ways it was handled in various cultures and times across history.
Saxon (England)
A clump of earth, twig, or key from the land was handed from seller to buyer in front of witnesses. This was considered legally binding before written deeds became common in medieval England.
Horse and Oath (Scandinavia / Viking Age)
Land was transferred with a public oath on sacred objects, sometimes involving ceremonial items like a sword, ring, or horsehair. The ritual held religious and social weight, making disputes less likely.
Barter with Objects of Value
Property was exchanged for items like cattle, tools, jewellery, or even food. No written record was needed — the trade itself was the proof. Among early Celtic, African, or Native American communities, land was sometimes “bought” with beads, blankets, or livestock.
Oral Contracts with Witnesses (Global)
An agreement was spoken in front of community elders or chieftains. Community memory and reputation ensured compliance — often more effective than early paper systems.
Fire and Stone Ceremony (Scotland)
During Highland transactions, a ceremony was held on the land using fire and a symbolic stone passed between the parties. Signifying the buyer’s new dominion over the land and the people who lived on it.
Tattoo or Scarification (Tribal Cultures)
In some tribal societies, a permanent physical mark on the body of the buyer signified the land transfer. This literal “mark of ownership” linked the person to the land.
Sandals as Legal Symbolism — Ancient Israel (circa 1000 BCE)
In ancient Hebrew culture, the exchange or removal of a sandal was a formal, legally recognized act to confirm a transaction.
On that note, If you are doing the rounds at open homes tomorrow looking to secure a property, why not ask the agent “Would the vendor not prefer to swap some Crocs for their Reeboks?”
Newcastle Region Market Stats Week Ending 18th July, 2025
- How many FOR SALE in Newcastle Region? 1499
- How many UNDER OFFER or UNDER CONTRACT? 144
- How many Auctions LISTED? 105
- How many Auctions THIS WEEK? 16
- How many SALES in the last week? 92
- Current CASH Rate: 3.85%
- Current INFLATION rate: 2.1%
- NSW Auction Results available this week: 738
- NSW Clearance rate (sold prior, at or same day
- after auction): 65%
- NSW Sold Prior to Auction: 29%
- NSW Passed in at Auction: 15%
- NSW Withdrawn or Converted to Private Treaty Sales: 20%
- Murdoch Property Clearance Rate at Auction: 90%
- Murdoch Property Average Days On Market: 33
* Why track NSW stats? This can provide key indicators of market confidence on a local level & influence the strategy when it comes to buying or selling your next property. Also, I like to nerd out on this stuff!
Being in the regional areas of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, we often follow trends from capital cities. Source: https://www.realestate.com.au/ https://www.domain.com.au/ https://www.rba.gov.au/ https://www.cotality.com/au
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