A seller who has conditioned the sale of a lot on a buyer's agreement to build a house with a minimum of 2,000 square feet will protect their rights through the use of

Restrictive zoning refers to regulations set by local governments that dictate land use within specific areas, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. While zoning can influence property development, it does not provide the same individualized control over specific property conditions as a deed restriction does. Thus, it cannot enforce the specific requirement of a minimum house size.

Conditional approval is a term often used in the context of permits or financing, indicating that approval is granted based on certain conditions being met. However, it does not create a binding requirement for the buyer regarding the construction of a house and does not secure the seller's interests in the same way a deed restriction does.

Conditions precedent are specific requirements that must be fulfilled before a contract becomes effective or a duty arises. While they can relate to property transactions, they do not serve as a lasting restriction on the property itself. A deed restriction, in contrast, remains attached to the property and continues to enforce the minimum house size requirement.