Where a real estate agency concludes a brokerage agreement with a consumer remotely or away from its business premises, the consumer generally has 14 days to withdraw without giving a reason. The period is 30 days following an unsolicited visit by the trader or at a sales event. To start providing the service during that period, the agent needs the consumer’s express consent and acknowledgement that full performance of the service ends the withdrawal right.
When is the withdrawal period 14 days and when is it 30 days?
A brokerage agreement between an agency and a consumer is a service contract. If concluded remotely or away from business premises, for example at the client’s home, during a viewing or electronically, the consumer generally has a 14-day right to withdraw without giving a reason under the Consumer Protection Act, No. 108/2024 Z. z. For an agreement concluded during an unsolicited visit by the trader or at a sales event, the period is 30 days (Section 20(1)(b)); for this service, it runs from conclusion of the agreement. If the agency fails to provide proper information about the right, the period is extended by up to 12 months (Section 20(3)).
What if the agent starts work immediately?
Agencies normally begin advertising and finding buyers immediately, during the withdrawal period. To avoid losing commission, the agent needs the consumer’s express consent to the service beginning before the period ends, and their acknowledgement of having been informed that full performance ends the withdrawal right (Section 19(1)(a)). If the consumer withdraws during the period after consenting to partial performance, the agency is entitled to a proportionate payment for the services actually provided.
What this means in practice
Without proper information and consents, the agency risks the consumer withdrawing within the applicable period, leaving the agent with nothing despite having brokered the transaction. The agreement should therefore include:
- information about the withdrawal right and a model withdrawal form;
- consent to early commencement of the service and information about losing the right;
- clear rules for payment for a partially performed service.
We prepare the contractual documents and correct notices through legal services for real estate agencies, practise the correct consumer signing process through agent training, and give the related reservation agreement the same care.
This answer provides general information on the law as at 10 September 2026. It does not constitute legal services or replace an assessment of an individual case. The details of your situation may differ. Book a consultation to discuss them.
