{"id":340,"date":"2026-01-09T10:44:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T07:44:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/?p=340"},"modified":"2026-01-13T19:42:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T16:42:24","slug":"zadatek-i-zaliczka-pri-pokupke-nedvizhimosti-v-polshe-v-chem-raznicza-i-chto-nuzhno-znat-pokupatelyu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/o-nedvizhimosti\/zadatek-i-zaliczka-pri-pokupke-nedvizhimosti-v-polshe-v-chem-raznicza-i-chto-nuzhno-znat-pokupatelyu\/","title":{"rendered":"Zadatek and zaliczka when buying real estate in Poland \u2013 what\u2019s the difference and what buyers need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/pokupka-i-prodazha-nedvizhimosti\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"16\">buying real estate in Poland<\/a> a preliminary agreement is almost always used - <strong>umowa przedwst\u0119pna<\/strong>, in which the buyer makes an advance payment. Two concepts are most common: <strong>deposit (deposit)<\/strong> \u0438 <strong>advance payment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many buyers, especially foreigners, confuse these terms, thinking they are the same. In practice, the difference between <strong>zadatek and zaliczka in Poland<\/strong> It&#039;s huge - it determines whether you&#039;ll be able to get your money back if the deal falls through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article we will discuss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is zadatek and zaliczka in <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/pokupka-i-prodazha-nedvizhimosti\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"16\">buying an apartment or house in Poland<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the legal difference between them;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the best choice for a buyer?;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What risks need to be taken into account;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to correctly write down the terms in a contract;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical recommendations from a realtor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is zadatek in Poland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Zadatek<\/strong> - this is a deposit that is transferred upon signing a preliminary contract for the purchase and sale of real estate (<strong>umowa przedwst\u0119pna sprzeda\u017cy nieruchomo\u015bci<\/strong>). Its rules are enshrined in the Civil Code of Poland (<strong>Codes of Civil Codes<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zadatek performs two main functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>confirms the seriousness of the intentions of the parties;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>financially guarantees the execution of the transaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does zadatek work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the transaction is successfully completed, the zadatek is included in the price of the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the deal does not take place:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>due to the buyer&#039;s fault<\/strong> \u2014 the deposit remains with the seller;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>due to the seller&#039;s fault<\/strong> \u2014 the seller is obliged to return the deposit in double amount;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>for reasons beyond the control of the parties<\/strong> \u2014 the deposit is returned to the buyer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The buyer paid 40,000 z\u0142 for an apartment in Gda\u0144sk.<br>If the buyer refuses without a valid reason, the money is lost.<br>If the seller changes his mind, he is obliged to return 80,000 z\u0142.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, zadatek is a tool with high financial responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a zaliczka in Poland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Zaliczka<\/strong> \u2014 this is an advance payment that is included in the price of the property, but is not a means of securing the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From a legal perspective, zaliczka is simply a part of the payment without any penalty consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does zaliczka work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the deal does not take place:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regardless of the reason, the zaliczka is returned to the buyer in full.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>No deductions, penalties or double payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The buyer paid zaliczka 40,000 z\u0142.<br>The deal fell through \u2013 the seller returns exactly 40,000 z\u0142.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the difference between zadatek and zaliczka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Criterion<\/th><th>Zadatek<\/th><th>Zaliczka<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Financial responsibility<\/td><td>High<\/td><td>Absent<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Risk for the buyer<\/td><td>Loss of deposit<\/td><td>The money is being returned<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Risk for the seller<\/td><td>Double refund<\/td><td>Return without penalties<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Motivation of the parties<\/td><td>Very high<\/td><td>Average<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Regulation by law<\/td><td>Straight to the Codes of Civil Code<\/td><td>General norms<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The main difference: <strong>zadatek protects the transaction financially, zaliczka does not.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#039;s the best choice when buying real estate in Poland \u2013 recommendations for buyers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice, the choice is between <strong>zadatek i zaliczka pri <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/pokupka-i-prodazha-nedvizhimosti\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"16\">buying an apartment in Poland<\/a><\/strong> should depend on your confidence in the deal and the source of funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My recommendations as a realtor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you <strong>confident in purchasing<\/strong> And:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>finance the transaction entirely from your own funds,<br>or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>at 100% you are confident that you will get a mortgage loan,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 You can choose with confidence <strong>zadatek<\/strong>. It fixes the object, the price and disciplines both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, my practical advice is:<br>if you <strong>are you unsure about choosing an apartment?<\/strong>,<br>or your situation with <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/ipotechnoe-soprovozhdenie\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"18\">financing<\/a> <strong>not yet fully determined<\/strong>,<br>better to choose <strong>zaliczka<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, if the bank refuses <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/ipotechnoe-soprovozhdenie\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"18\">mortgage<\/a> or if circumstances change, you will be able to <strong>get your money back without financial losses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If the seller insists on only zadatek<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a situation when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the only uncertainty is whether you will get a mortgage;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The seller categorically demands a deposit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, be sure to include in the preliminary agreement a clause that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>The zadatek is subject to return to the buyer in the event of a loan refusal, upon provision of, for example, 2-3 official refusals from banks.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This condition truly protects the buyer and reduces the risk of losing a large sum of money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f It is very important that this point is clearly stated in the contract and not discussed verbally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"655\" src=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zadatok-1024x655.jpg\" alt=\"When can I choose a deposit?\" class=\"wp-image-342\" title=\"the deposit can be chosen\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zadatok-1024x655.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zadatok-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zadatok-768x491.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zadatok-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/zadatok.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you should definitely pay attention to in the contract<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/pokupka-i-prodazha-nedvizhimosti\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"16\">buying real estate in Poland<\/a> It is necessary to carefully check the preliminary agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following must be specified:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the exact wording: <strong>zadatek<\/strong> or <strong>zaliczka<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>advance payment amount;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>terms and conditions of return;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>deadlines for signing the main notarial agreement;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>responsibility of the parties;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>method of transferring money;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conditions associated with <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/ipotechnoe-soprovozhdenie\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"18\">obtaining a mortgage<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the wording in the contract is unclear, the court may recognize the payment as zaliczka, even if the parties intended zadatek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common mistakes made by property buyers in Poland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u274c They confuse zadatek and zaliczka.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u274c They deposit money without a clear agreement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u274c They do not take into account the risk of mortgage denial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u274c They sign template contracts without adaptation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u274c They do not consult with professionals.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ \u2013 Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it possible to return the loan if the bank refuses?<\/strong><br>Yes, if this is expressly stated in the preliminary agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is more commonly used in Poland when <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/pokupka-i-prodazha-nedvizhimosti\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"16\">buying an apartment?<\/a><\/strong><br>Most transactions use zadatek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the zadatek size in Poland?<\/strong><br>Typically 5\u201310% of the property value, but the amount is agreed upon individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it possible to replace zadatek with zaliczka?<\/strong><br>Yes, by agreement of the parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is it important to work with a professional real estate agent in Poland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/uslugi\/pokupka-i-prodazha-nedvizhimosti\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"16\">Buying real estate in Poland<\/a> \u2014 it&#039;s not just about choosing an apartment, but also about ensuring the legal security of the transaction, the correct contract structure, and the protection of your money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experienced realtor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>will check the object&#039;s documents;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>will help to correctly formalize umowa przedwst\u0119pna;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>will protect your interests during negotiations with the seller;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>will suggest the best option: zadatek or zaliczka;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>will reduce financial risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udcde Need help buying real estate in Poland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are planning to buy an apartment or house in Poland and want to conduct the transaction safely, <a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/kontakty\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"30\">contact me<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I will help:<br>\u2705 select real estate to suit your budget;<br>\u2705 check the legal purity of the property;<br>\u2705 draw up the contract correctly;<br>\u2705 safely agree on zadatek or zaliczka;<br>\u2705 accompany the transaction to the notary and the handover of the keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/kontakty\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"30\">\ud83d\udc49 Submit a request on our website or contact us now \u2013 the consultation is free.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When purchasing real estate in Poland, a preliminary agreement (umowa przedwst\u0119pna) is almost always used, in which the buyer makes an advance payment. Most often<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":341,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-o-nedvizhimosti"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=340"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/340\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":348,"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/340\/revisions\/348"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rutkowskihome.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}