Who holds the deposit?

There is no single mandatory rule in law, but best practice for significant transactions is that the deposit is held by a neutral party, usually the notary.  

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Options include:

• Notary deposit or escrow account – The notary holds the deposit and releases it to the seller once contractual conditions are met (e.g. signed contract, tax obligations, documents ready for registration)
• Lawyer's client account or bank escrow – In some cases, especially for complex or high-value deals
• Direct payment to the seller – Used in smaller or low-risk transactions, but offers less protection if a dispute arises  

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The contract should clearly state:

• Who holds the deposit
• Under what conditions it is released
• When and under what circumstances it is refundable or forfeited  

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For foreign buyers and larger transactions, using a notary or bank escrow structure is generally recommended.